Tributes paid to deceased former Ceann Comhairle

Former Government minister and Ceann Comhairle Tom Fitzpatrick has died aged 88 years, it was announced today.

The former Cavan/Monaghan TD became a senator in 1961 and was first elected to the Dáil four years later.

He was subsequently elected at every general election until his retirement in 1989.

During his career he served in several ministerial posts under Taoisigh Liam Cosgrave and Garret Fitzgerald including Land, Transport and Power and most recently in Fisheries and Forestry from 1981 to 1982.

He was appointed Ceann Comhairle in 1987 and served until 1989.

He also held front bench opposition portfolios including health, defence and social welfare.

Mr Fitzpatrick entered the Dáil in 1965 and successfully re-elected in 1969, 1973, 1977, 1981 February 1982, October 1982 and unopposed as Ceann Comhairle in 1987.

Fine Gael’s current Cavan/Monaghan TD Seymour Crawford said: “Tom was an absolute gentleman and friend to all who knew him regardless of background.”

Mr Crawford passed on the sympathies of the Fine Gael party to Mr Fitzpatrick’s wife Carmel and his children Geraldine and Tom.

Born in Scotshouse near Clones in Co Monaghan in 1918, he was educated at St. Macartan’s College, the Incorporated Law Society and UCD. He worked as a solicitor before entering politics.