Treasury Secretary John Whitehead today paid tribute to former secretary Bernie Galvin, who died yesterday.Mr Galvin headed the Treasury from 1980 to 1986, a time of volatility that featured the repercussions of the second oil shock, the devaluation of th
Treasury Secretary John Whitehead today paid tribute to former secretary Bernie Galvin, who died yesterday.
Mr Galvin headed the Treasury from 1980 to 1986, a time of volatility that featured the repercussions of the second oil shock, the devaluation of the dollar in 1984, the end of the Muldoon era and the economic reforms of the 1980s.
He joined the Treasury in 1955 under the then secretary Henry Lang.
"Bernie proved exceptional from the beginning," Mr Whitehead said.
"He joined the Treasury at a time when very few graduates were recruited into the organisation, yet he was hand-picked by Henry."
The pair went on to develop a deep and mutual respect.
Mr Galvin came from a staunch Irish Catholic background, had a strong sense of social justice and was highly intelligent, Mr Whitehead said.
"He did try very hard to encourage economic debate within the organisation, and much of the work that formed the 1984 budget was done under his watch and with his active leadership.
"He will be remembered with great admiration and affection."
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