Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

On behalf of the Labour Party, I join Deputy Kenny in commemorating the memory of Mr. Tom Fitzpatrick and extending our sympathy to the Fine Gael family and in particular to Tom Fitzpatrick's immediate family. He reached a venerable age, but that does not make one's passing easier. As the Taoiseach said, he had a long service as a public representative. He was regarded as a wise public representative dedicated to public service. I never heard anybody on either side of the House complain about his distinguished period in the chair, when he was regarded as fair and impartial. I met him recently at a former Members' function here and he was still able to offer his opinion, of some value, on current issues. His service is greatly appreciated in this House and his constituency. On behalf of the Labour Party I am pleased to join leaders of other parties in offering our sincere sympathy to his wife, daughter and son and his extended family on this sad occasion. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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