Monday 22 February 1999

Dr Pat Upton TD
dies of heart attack

The death of Dr Pat Upton was announced on Monday 22nd February 1999. The Labour TD for Dublin South Central suffered a massive heart attack while at the UCD Veterinary College in Dublin, where he was an occasional lecturer. He had been taken to St Vincent's Hospital and his death was confirmed officially early in the afternoon.

Labour Party Leader Ruairi Quinn was "shocked and saddened" by the death of his friend and colleague, and said Dr Upton had displayed no signs of being ill. When asked by RTÉ reporter Teresa Mannion whether there was likely to be a by election in the short term, Mr Quinn said it was far too early to say, as everyone now wanted to mourn the death of their colleague.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, described Dr Upton's death as "a real tragedy", and other politicians from all parties paid tribute to Pat Upton's quick mind and hard work.

Pat Upton was a Senator from 1989-1992 and leader of the Labour Group in the Seanad. In 1992 he topped the poll in Dublin South Central and was re-elected in 1997. In November 1997 the Clare born deputy was appointed spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and following the merger between Labour and Demoractic Left he was appointed spokesperson on Sport and Communications. He had represented the Terenure ward of South Dublin County Council since 1991.

Dr Upton is survived by his wife and four children.