Mayo woman honoured in Leinster House for 40 years of loyal service

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has paid tribute to Deirdre Chambers of Newport, who has been honoured by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. as well as by ministers, TDs, senators and staff in Leinster House for 40 years of service in the national parliament.

Minister Ring said: “The tribute reflects the affection in which Deirdre is held within Fine Gael and throughout Leinster House and I was delighted to be there to congratulate her on 40 years of great service.

“In her four decades in Leinster House, Deirdre has borne witness to a significant chunk of the history of the State.

"She has served under six Fine Gael leaders, four of whom have become Taoiseach, namely Garret Fitzgerald, Alan Dukes, John Bruton, Michael Noonan, Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar.

"She has served as private secretary to ministers, TDs and senators. Throughout that time she has been dedicated and unstintingly loyal to the Fine Gael Party and she’s still going strong.

“Deirdre comes from a very well-known Newport family. Her father, Tony of Ballroom of Romance fame, was also a dedicated and loyal Fine Gael supporter. It was great to see Deirdre’s family and extended family for what was a surprise occasion for her. I wish Deirdre many more years of success and happiness.”