Tributes paid to loyal and fearless Mitchell

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern last night said former Fine Gael minister Jim Mitchell had made an outstanding contribution to Irish public life.

Mr Ahern’s salute to his old constituency and Dáil rival came as all sides of the political spectrum united in fond tribute to the 56-year-old Dubliner who died early yesterday after losing a three-year battle against cancer.

Flags at Leinster House will fly at half-mast today as the Dáil and Seanad reconvenes and all shades of political opinion will be present in strength later this evening and tomorrow for the funeral.