Mr O’Hara first served in the States as a douzaine representative for St Andrew’s before becoming a deputy for the South East district in 2001. He served until 2016, when he lost his seat at that year’s election.
During his time in the States he sat on several committees, including Commerce & Employment and Education, and was chairman of the Overseas Aid Committee. He was also the first chairman of the States Douzaine Liaison Group.
He was perhaps best known as Culture & Leisure minister from 2008, and was passionate about protecting the island’s cultural identity and heritage.
Outside the States, he and his wife, Teresa, founded the Dyslexia Day Centre, which opened in October 1986.
It operated until June 2025, closing after the States withdrew its annual funding and left the centre relying solely on donations.
Mr O’Hara made no secret of his and his wife’s disappointment at the decision.
‘Here was a situation where the States were getting what I think was a very professional outfit, done properly, everything spot on, literally on their doorstep, and they just didn’t want it,’ he said.
‘Or certain people in the States didn’t want it. It’s as simple as that.’
Mr O’Hara was also a member of the old Policy Council under former chief minister Lyndon Trott, who said it had been a pleasure working with him.
‘He had a mission, which was to “put a smile on people’s faces”,’ said Mr Trott.
‘A great community deputy, he represented Guernsey with distinction overseas through his roles with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
‘Having been a distinguished sportsman, particularly at cricket and football, it was fitting that he should become responsible for sport and culture during his time in the States, a role he excelled at.
‘I shall remember him as “Tommy”, as he was affectionately nicknamed by his many friends in the States.’
Former deputy Matt Fallaize served alongside Mr O’Hara from 2008 until 2016.
‘Over the years he did a lot of good for a lot of people, inside and outside the States,’ he said.
‘The presidency of Culture & Leisure felt like a job made for Mike and I don’t think I have ever known any politician to love a role more than he loved that one.
‘His warm and outgoing personality made him great company and he was fun to be around, even during recent years when sadly he was frequently unwell.’
Mr Fallaize said Mr O’Hara and his wife had worked tirelessly to support dyslexic youngsters for more than 30 years.
‘The best tribute to him is the hundreds of people who have much better reading and writing skills today than they would have without the support of the centre.’
You need to be logged in to comment.