New status for Mayo senator is 'a proud achievement'

Long-serving Mayo Fine Gael Senator Paddy Burke has been congratulated on his elevation to the status of 'Father of the House.'

The Castlebar-based representative has taken over the title following the retirement from office of Senator David Norris.

Senator Burke now has the longest record of service in An Seanad, having been first elected on June 7, 1993.

Aged 69, he was a former cathaoirleach of the Upper House.

Paddy first entered public life in 1979 as a member of Mayo County Council.

He also served on Castlebar Town Council for a number of years.

Praising him, Mayo Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers stated: "It is a proud day for Mayo that one of our local Senators has achieved such a length of service.

"It is a great achievement and something to be very proud of."

Many others have joined in extending congratulations to Senator Burke, a native of Ballyglass who has a number of national golfing titles to his credit.