Dáil pays tribute to former Ceann Comhairle Séamus Pattison

The Dáil has paid tribute to former Ceann Comhairle Séamus Pattison, who died at the age of 81 over the weekend.

Mr Pattison was the fifth-longest serving member of the Dáil, having been a Labour TD for Carlow-Kilkenny for almost 50 years.

He served as Ceann Comhairle, Minister of State and MEP during his long political career.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin led the tributes to him the Dáil chamber.

"Séamus' illness, in recent times, took its toll, but didn't take its dignity, his charm or his mischievousness,

"At his funeral, I recounted my last meeting with Seamus when, from his wheelchair, he beckoned me closer. He whispered into my ear: 'If you need me to stand, I'll win again!'

"And I've no doubt that he would."