Seamus Pattison book launched

THE CAREER of former ceann comhairle of the Dáil and Labour TD Seamus Pattison had been "a fascinating journey of honour and service to his people and to his nation", according to his party colleague, Leas-Cheann Comhairle Brendan Howlin.

Addressing what he said was the first reception to be held in the new Leinster House extension, Mr Howlin praised Mr Pattison as "a friend, a trade unionist, a parliamentarian, a public representative and a people's tribune".

Mr Pattison served as a TD for Carlow-Kilkenny for almost half-a- century until he stepped down at last year's general election. Politics in a Changing Ireland 1960-2007: A Tribute to Seamus Pattison, written by Tom O'Connor and Anthony O'Halloran, was launched by Mr Howlin last night.

Mr Howlin described the book, published by the IPA, as "an important work of political scholarship", which provided "a unique insight into the evolution of a modern state".