LOUDEN Ryan played a key role behind the scenes in the transformation of the Republic's economy in the 1960s.
The Portadown-born professor of economics helped shape the policies of TK Whitaker and taoiseach Seán Lemass as they set the state on a path away from protectionism in favour of free trade and foreign investment.
Born in 1923 and educated at Portadown College and Trinity College Dublin, he lectured at London School of Economics before beginning a long academic career back in Dublin.
He produced the influential textbook Price Theory and was Professor of Political Economy at Trinity from 1967 until 1985.
Ryan wrote influential reports for the government as it embarked on a radical programme of economic expansion and served on a series of state bodies.
He joined the board of the Central Bank when Co Down-born Whitaker was its governor in 1966.
From 1985 until 1991 he served as governor of the Bank of Ireland, where he declined the use of a chauffeur-driven car in favour of his fold-up bicycle.
He was later a southern council member of peace and reconciliation charity Co-Operation Ireland.
Louden Ryan died aged 95 on November 19. Predeceased by his wife Maudie, he is survived by a daughter Jane and son Jonathan.
