The leader of the Labour Party Ruairí Quinn, the Taoiseach and other party leaders have paid tribute to the late Labour TD Michael Ferris. Mr Ferris, the Labour Party TD for South Tipperary, died suddenly in Lisbon where he was attending a meeting of the Western European Union. He was 68. He is survived by his wife Ellen, who was with him on the visit, and by his four sons and two daughters. The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, described Mr Ferris as a true gentleman and a dedicated public representative. Ruairí Quinn said that he was deeply shocked and saddened at the death of his friend and colleague. Tánaiste Mary Harney described Michael Ferris as a TD of great stature who served the people of Tipperary South with distinction for many years. The Dáil has been adjourned as a mark of respect to the late deputy.
From a farming background, Michael Ferris worked as an administrator in a veterinary practice before entering politics. He spent eleven years in the Senate, and was appointed Deputy leader of the Upper House for 5 years from 1982 until 1987. In 1989 he was elected to the Dáil and retained his seat in the 1992 and 1997 general elections. He was a former Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs. Since 1997, he had chaired the Oireachtas Committee for Sport, Tourism and Recreation.
