Tributes Pour In For Former Labour Minister

He was Minister of State for Social Welfare from 1983 to 1987 and also represented Ireland at the European Parliament during his tenure as MEP from 1981 to 1983.
But Séamus Pattison will be probably be best remembered from his time as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from 1997 to 2002, and Leas Ceann Comhairle from 2002 until his retirement from politics in 2007.
"He was a gentleman who commanded the respect of all sides of the house. He was fair and impartial and ensured that all TD’s got a fair hearing when he sat in the chair," said Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD.
He added: “As Father of the Dáil he was always on hand to offer advice and support to TD’s and Senators when needed.
" I remember many conversations that I had with him down through the years, and one thing which always struck me was his strong sense of social duty.
"He was a passionate man who espoused the values of the Labour movement throughout his long career."
Labour Party Leader, Brendan Howlin TD, has extended his sympathy to the family and friends of former Labour Party TD for Carlow-Kilkenny TD Seamus Pattison.
Deputy Howlin said: “It is with sadness that I’ve learnt of the death today of my great friend and colleague Seamus Pattison TD.
“Seamus was a stalwart in the Parliamentary Labour Party that I joined as a young man. He was generous both with his time and his advice to this young parliamentarian.
“He served Carlow-Kilkenny faithfully and loved his native constituency. He enjoyed his period as a Minister of State in the Department of Social Welfare and excelled as Ceann Comhairle where he particularly enjoyed representing the parliament he loved.
“Seamus represented the best of an old Labour tradition. I was proud to have known him and worked with him. May he rest in peace.”
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD also has expressed his sympathy to Séamus Pattison's family.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the entire Fianna Fáil family I would like to offer my condolences to his family," he said.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.