He was a man that gave more to this country than most. RIP.
Former public servant and economist Dr TK Whitaker has died aged 100 in Dublin.
Dr Whitaker has been described by many taoisigh as Ireland’s finest public servant, an opinion that was was further enhanced when he was named Irish Man of the 20th century in a public vote in 2001.
His main area of contribution to the prosperity of Ireland came during his time at the Department of Finance when he created Economic Development, a document which provided the blueprints for a radical plan that changed the country’s economic strategy in the ’60s.
In a statement, Taoiseach Enda Kenny described TK Whitaker as “in every sense a national treasure”.
The Fine Gael leader added: “He had an innate understanding of our patrimony – what we inherit from our ancestors – our ingenuity, our elegance, our intellect, our artistry, industry and kindness, and how we could put this to work for our country and our people. TK Whitaker changed life, lives and generations in Ireland. In the last decades, he more than any other person was responsible for transforming our economy and public life”, he said.
“He had a rare vision for our country and its future. He was a gentleman and patriot. Today, as a nation, we mourn the passing of this outstanding man. We celebrate and give thanks for his exemplary achievements on behalf of Ireland. In modern Irish history, TK Whitaker is both incomparable and irreplaceable. Truly, ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís”, Kenny added.
Aside from his significant contributions towards the prosperity of Ireland’s economy and society, Whitaker also helped organise a historic meeting between Lemass and the Prime Minster of Northern Ireland, Terence O’Neill.
President Michael D Higgins stated that Whitaker’s work “stands as the embodiment of the finest qualities and aspirations of the Irish people” and that he “contributed enormously to the building of an independent Ireland”
The President added: “I had the privilege and also the great pleasure to know Dr Whitaker. His great energy and intellectual rigour was matched by an irresistible personal charm. He was as inspiring as he was impressive, and as fine an Irishman as there has been.”
RIP.
Image via – RTE
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