Once voted Irishman of the 20th century, former Irish civil servant T.K. Whitaker died on Monday of this week, aged 100.
A former Governor of the Central Bank and secretary of the Department of Finance, Mr. Whitaker devised ‘Economic Development’ – which acted as a blueprint for the economic regeneration of Ireland in 1956, at a time of rampant emigration and economic stagnation.
Born Thomas Kenneth Whitaker shortly after the Easter Rising on 8 December 1916 in Rostrevor, County Down, Mr Whitaker’s father, Edward Whitaker, was a native of Killucan.
Edward Whitaker was born in the village in 1865, where his father worked for the Midland Great Western Railway Company.
TRIBUTES
Leading tributes, President Michael D. Higgins spoke of the work of Mr. Whitaker and its contribution to Irish life: “Born in 1916, T.K. Whitaker’s life’s work is stands as the embodiment of the finest qualities and aspirations of the Irish people.
“As an economist and as a public servant, he contributed enormously to the building of an independent Ireland. He was recognised for this in the popular vote of him as the most influential Irish person of the last century.”
In a tribute to Mr. Whitaker, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “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 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.”
