Tony Gregory’s death - A man true to himself

TONY GREGORY, who died yesterday at the age of 61, was the quintessential community politician.

A former teacher, his election to the Dáil was a testament to his community work.

He burst onto the national political scene when he seemed to hold the balance of power after the first general election of 1982. He indicated that his support was available at a price. What he was seeking was not for himself but for his community. Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald and Fianna Fáil leader Charles J Haughey both engaged in negotiations with him.