Rabbite pays tribute to problem-solving Magner

LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte paid tribute last night to the party’s former national organiser, Pat Magner, who drew the curtain on almost five decades in politics at a function in Leinster House.

He was highly regarded by politicians from all parties, and attendees at the function included Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and PD chairman John Dardis.

Mr Magner, 65, stepped down as national organiser last month, a role he had held since the 1980s. He worked under four Labour leaders and was instrumental in the negotiations to form the 1982-87, 1992-94, and 1994-97 governments.

Mr Rabbitte described him as a man “frequently relied upon to sort out difficult problems at constituency and branch level”.

In an interview with this paper today, Mr Magner says he was interested in new challenges. However, it is known he did not form the same bond with Mr Rabbitte as with previous leaders. While Mr Magner does not comment on this, he does say it is wrong for Labour to rule out a coalition with Fianna Fáil.

“Labour should be in government.”