House unites in tribute to the late Tony Gregory

THE LATE Tony Gregory was described as “a man of strong principle” and of “great integrity” by Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

All sides of the House paid tribute to the Dublin Central Independent TD, who died last month.

“Tony Gregory’s all-too-soon death is a source of deep regret to all of us in this House who knew and respected him,” Mr Cowen said.

“He served his country and his local community well in a lifetime that was devoted to helping others. His cherished his roots in Dublin’s north inner city and he never strayed from them.”

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that the brightness of Mr Gregory’s eye and the intensity of his voice were distinctive.

“It was the conviction of his belief that politics could actually influence circumstances for the good, and that politics could influence the environment in which people lived, that drove Tony Gregory to say things in this House that were direct, real and truthful,” Mr Kenny said.

Labour’s Eamon Gilmore said that Mr Gregory had left a lasting mark on Irish politics.