Tributes to 'loyal, decent' former Fine Gael TD

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny led tributes last night to his former party colleague, Liam Burke, who died yesterday aged 78.

Mr Burke, known affectionately as the Silver Fox, represented Cork in the Dáil and on the city council during a political career spanning five decades.

He had undergone heart surgery twice in recent years and had been ill for some months. He is survived by his wife, Noreen, a retired teacher at Eglantine National School in Douglas, and his daughters Emma and Catherine.

Mr Kenny said Mr Burke, who was also known as the father of Cork City Council, was central to the city's politics since he was first elected to the Dáil in 1969.

"Whether it was putting the public interest ahead of narrower personal or party interests, working day in and day out for the party that he and his family were immersed in, or fighting for the city and people he represented, Liam Burke will be sorely missed.

"Whether in government or opposition, he was a flamboyant and colourful character who had a unique style in presenting his case for Cork," Mr Kenny said.

Mr Burke was first elected to the city council in the Cork North East ward in 1967 at the age of 40.

He first won his Dáil seat in Cork North Central two years later - a feat he would repeat a remarkable nine times. He lost the seat in 1989, regained it again in 1992 and held it until he stepped down from national politics in 1999.

Mr Burke retired from public life before last year's local elections.

Fine Gael leader on the council, Jim Corr, said Mr Burke had a huge love of politics.

"He was a very loyal, decent man. You knew where you stood with him. He has left a great example to future public representatives to be always, ever-vigilant of the welfare of the people," he said.

Mr Burke was nicknamed the Silver Fox in the early 1990s when, as the council was facing abolition for its failure to agree on a budget, he helped broker an agreement at the 11th hour.

Progressive Democrats Councillor Mairin Quill said Mr Burke was unreservedly liked right across the political parties and he was a hard working politician.

Mr Burke's removal will take place at 6pm tonight from Temple Hill to St Columba's church in Douglas.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am tomorrow with burial afterwards in St Finbarr's Cemetery.