“A patriot, an incredible public servant and a doctor..."
Tributes have begun to flow for Dr Tony Holohan, after he announced he will step away from his role to care for his wife.
During yesterday evening's HSE briefing The Chief Medical Officer said:
"My wife Emer was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in 2012".
"She has had a number of difficult years with her disease and was admitted for palliative care last Saturday, and I now want to give my energy and attention and all of my time to Emer and to our two teenage children Clodagh and Ronan."
He added that he hoped the country would continue to "stay vigilant, keep our social distance, and take personal responsibility for our own health."
From today, I will be taking time out from all of my work commitments to be with my family.
I would like to thank everyone for their support, understanding and respect for my family’s privacy and would wish that to continue.
Continue to stay vigilant and look after each other. pic.twitter.com/aNfi88c1Jo
— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) July 2, 2020
Following the announcement tributes began to roll in for Dr. Holohan, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said:
"Every home in Ireland has come to know Dr Tony Holohan. His leadership during the pandemic has given us all the confidence that the decisions being made are based on solid public health advice.
"As a country we owe him and his family a great deal of gratitude."
Thank you Tony. pic.twitter.com/cEMxJzLQYi
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 2, 2020
Simon Harris labelled him ''a patriot, an incredible public servant.''
Tony Holohan is a patriot, an incredible public servant & a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership. He has kept us safe. I valued his counsel as Minister so much. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. We think of them & respect their privacy
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 2, 2020
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "Thank you Tony. For months everyone in Ireland has felt safe because you were looking after our families.''
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: "As Dr Holohan steps back at this difficult time for him and his family, our thoughts are with them.
"I want to acknowledge the extraordinary work he’s done helping lead Ireland’s response to Covid."
As Dr Holohan steps back at this difficult time for him and his family, our thoughts are with them. I want to acknowledge the extraordinary work he’s done helping lead Ireland’s response to Covid.
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) July 2, 2020
