Fitting tributes to an exemplary politician

PETER BARRY was widely regarded as the best leader Fine Gael never had. He served the party, his constituency, and the country loyally during 28 years in the Dáil, spanning four decades.

“Throughout his long and distinguished political career, Peter gave outstanding service to his country and to his native city,” Taoiseach Enda Kenny declared yesterday.

Modest and unassuming, Mr Barry was deeply proud of his Cork roots and the fact that he served as Lord Major of Cork in 1970 — nine years after his father, Anthony Barry, served in the same position.