Dáil pays tribute to veteran politician

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny led tributes in the Dáil today to former Limerick TD and senator Ted Russell, who has died aged 92.

The five time mayor of Limerick was described as the “quintessential public man” who held every office possible in the city and was well respected and well liked.

Born in 1912, 10 years before the Irish State was founded, the Dáil was told that George Edward Russell made an immense contribution to local business and was a dedicated sportsman, captaining the Bohemians and winning a final trial for Ireland in 1938.

Mr Kenny said: “During his long life he served this state well both in national and local politics, business, sport and voluntary organisations.

“The catalogue of his private life obscures the private man who is remembered so fondly, particularly in the north side of the city.”

He described Mr Russell as a good employer, a charitable man, a good neighbour and a kind benefactor. He said he was a person of great esteem and as a Deputy had been very proud to contribute to the workings of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Mr Russell, who died on Sunday, was a member of Limerick City Council for 36 years, and a member of the Harbour Commissioners for 51 years, 26 as chairman.

He was elected to the Dáil as an independent in 1957 and contested the 1965 and 1973 general elections as a Fine Gael candidate. He was a member of the Seanad from 1969 to 1977.

The father-of-four was married to Derry Gleeson. He was a Freeman of Limerick, and Mr Kenny said no-one deserved the honour more.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern extended his sympathies to the Fine Gael party and Mr Russell’s family.

“He was well known for his charitable work and those who know him well would describe him as extremely helpful and generous,” he said.

“He will be remembered for all the work he did in public life over a long period at every level of local Government and in the Houses of the Oireachtas and a long distinguished career of working for the people.”

Mr Ahern recalled the day Mr Russell travelled to the United States and presented five mayors with an authentic Limerick Ham. “I know it’s a story he enjoyed for many many years,” he said.

All members of the Dáil rose for a minute’s silence in tribute to the veteran politician.