Tributes paid to former deputy Mike O'Hara

A former government minister who has died has been remembered for his "sunny personality and unrelenting optimism".

Former Guernsey deputy, Mike O'Hara, died at the age of 76 on 30 October.

He was first elected to the States of Guernsey in 2001 and was probably best known for this role as the Culture & Leisure minister with his support for Liberation Day, and bringing a skatepark to the island.

Outside politics, he was instrumental in setting up the Dyslexia Day Centre in 1987. Father of the House, Deputy John Gollop said O'Hara was "a gentleman".

"I will say what a convivial and jovial person and a comedian and warm-hearted charitable person," Gollop said.

"[He] worked hard for the parish, community, culture, leisure, sports, arts, education and dyslexia support."

When States funding for the Dyslexia Day Centre was pulled in 2023, O'Hara strongly disagreed with the decision.

"The ironic thing about it is what they are trying to achieve we agree with, it's just a shame we are not involved." he said at the time.

The centre received the Queen's Award in 2011 for its work teaching children and young adults with dyslexia while raising awareness of the condition.

O'Hara lost his seat in the South East district in the 2016 election, missing out by 120 votes.

Electoral reform prior to that year's general election meant only five seats were contested rather than six. O'Hara came sixth.

Deputy Gavin St Pier served this first term with O'Hara between 2012 - 2016.

"I will remember him for his sunny personality and unrelenting optimism," he said.

"He was passionate in his role as the Culture & Leisure minister and known for his mission to put smiles on people's faces.

"He was sorry to lose his seat in the 2016 general election, not least because he lost the platform to fight for the causes he supported."

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