Tony Gregory RIP

[GalwayBayBoy]

Dublin TD Tony Gregory dies

Friday, 2 January 2009 15:16

Independent TD Tony Gregory has died at the age of 61.

The Dublin Central independent TD passed away today after a long illness.

Reacting to the news, Sinn Féin councillor Christy Burke said Dublin Central had lost a champion for those marginalised in our society.
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'It's the people's loss. There will never be another Tony Gregory,' Mr Burke said.

Born on 5 December 1947, Mr Gregory was first elected to the Dáil in 1982. He was a member of Dublin City Council from 1979 until 2004.

Tony Gregory first came to national prominence when he negotiated a multi-million pound deal for the north inner city to ensure his support for the minority Fianna Fáil government in 1982.

He was first elected that year as an independent left wing TD although he had started out as a member of Official Sinn Féin and was later a founder member of the breakaway Irish Republican Socialist party.

But he often said he felt he could best represent his constituents as an independent rather than being strangled by party politics.

On his first day in the Dáil he caused comment when he turned up not wearing a tie, he explained many of his constituents could not afford ties.

Later in the 1980s, he served time in Mountjoy Prison along with Cllr Christy Burke in support of Moore St traders.

Originally from the North Strand area of the north city, he worked for a time as a history teacher before entering politics.

He is survived by his brother Noel and partner Annette.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: 'Tony served his community of the inner city at a national level with great dedication and distinction for over a quarter of a century.

'He was a proud Dubliner, a great advocate for his community and a diligent public representative. Tony was always courteous and had a fine sense of humour.'

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny paid tribute to Mr Gregory's work in helping his constituents.

Mr Kenny said: 'He was an original mould-breaker, both in creating the Gregory Deal, so influential in transforming inner city Dublin, and in refusing to wear a tie in the Chamber of the Dáil, thus disrupting the cosy comfort of Dáil tradition.

'Tony Gregory was a fearless defender of his inner city constituents, proud of his heritage, and absolutely courageous in standing up to drug barons and drug pushers.

'I admired his conviction and his total commitment to his people. We shall miss him

[RedandGreenSniper]

 I didn't agree with his politics but there's no doubting his willingness to work as best he could for the people who elected him. May he rest in peace

[The Real Laoislad]

Fair enough but I'm not saying you have to speak well of him. But it might have been more tactful to hold your fire so soon after the news was announced imo

Fair enough,point taken

[Canalman]

Very saddened to hear the news. A trully great Irishman who always defended the most vulnerable in Dublin.A battler, an honest man and a genuinely great Irishman ( a term I'm afraid much bandied about and abused).Taught my brother for a while as well.

Ar dheis Dé go dtéigh a anam dílis.

[magickingdom]

very sad to hear this news and surprised at the lack of comment here. a very committed and upright politician in my book. RIP

[Rossfan]

I didnt know the man was even sick.
A unique man and obviously very popular in his constituency.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.

[Shamrock Shore]

An honourable gentleman and a good politician.

He will be missed.

RIP.

[the Deel Rover]

Didn't realise that he was sick either. Always came across to me anyway as a decent man and politician May he rest in peace