Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Ceann Comhairle and on my own behalf, I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Séamus Pattison, with whom I served for many years in this House.

I can only describe Séamus Pattison as a gentleman, a statesman and a proud Kilkenny man. There is great sadness as we gather here today to recall and celebrate the life of Séamus Pattison as a Member of this House for many years. He was a former Ceann Comhairle, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, a Minister of State, a Member of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe and, of course, a Member of this House from 1961 to 2007. Déanaim mo chomhbhrón le teaghlach Séamus Pattison, go háirithe Joe, atá anseo inniu, agus Carmel, bean chéile Joe.

Séamus Pattison served as a Member of Dáil Éireann for 46 years and eight months; he has the fifth longest service by anyone in the House. He devoted his life to public service and the betterment of his constituency and the communities of his counties and the State. Séamus Pattison was held in the highest respect by all who knew him. He was highly regarded by the Members of the House but particularly by the staff of the House for whom he had tremendous regard. He held the offices of Ceann Comhairle and Leas-Cheann Comhairle with distinction, fairness and impartiality. He had a unique style that was referred to earlier, which endeared him to all sides of the House. If we want to pay tribute to Séamus in the years ahead, when the Ceann Comhairle or I say "Now, now Deputies", I hope they will respond as they did for Séamus.

Séamus Pattison worked closely with Deputies from all parties in the House and he was a true gentleman of utmost character and regard. He respected everyone he encountered in his political career. He leaves a legacy that in many ways may never be equalled. His legacy is one to be extremely proud of, but his own modesty would never allow praise or accolades of any nature, such was his unassuming character.

Today, we honour a life given graciously and without hesitation to public service, to the people of his county and to the people of his country. His life was devoted to helping others. That was the career of Séamus Pattison. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam

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