Statement by President Higgins on the death of Seán Treacy
Date: Sun 25th Mar, 2018 | 09:46
"I have learned with great sadness of the death of Sean Treacy, distinguished parliamentarian and a former colleague of mine in the Labour Party.
Sean served with great distinction in public life for nearly five decades, including four terms in office as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Eireann, where he was much-respected by members on both sides of the House for his fairness and knowledge of parliamentary procedure. He led many parliamentary delegations abroad over the years, representing Dáil Éireann and building valuable political relationships all over the world. He also oversaw many reforms in Dáil Éireann during the 1990's, including the introduction of the televising of proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas, a bold innovation at the time which proved to be very successful.
Sean, who started his working life in the shoe factory in Clonmel, represented the people of South Tipperary with great pride, always keen to safeguard and promote the rights of the most vulnerable in his constituency. He served as Mayor of Clonmel, and as a Member of the European Parliament, South Tipperary County Council and Clonmel Corporation
I have many memories of Sean as a colleague over a lifetime in politics and Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to his family and friends and all those who knew him."