Death of Independent TD Tony Gregory 02/01/09

INTO PRESS RELEASE: Statement by John Carr, General Secretary Irish National Teachers' Organisation on the death of Independent TD Tony Gregory

2nd January 2009

Statement by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation
on the death of independent TD Tony Gregory

The general secretary of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation John Carr paid tribute to the independent TD Tony Gregory and extended the sympathy of the INTO to his partner, family and friends.

He described Tony Gregory as a champion of the disadvantaged and a tireless worker on behalf of his constituents.

Carr said today that the Gregory deal in 1982 led to the first major investment in tackling educational disadvantage. “Aspects of that deal subsequently became the cornerstone of national programmes to tackle poverty and educational disadvantage,” he said.

“Tony Gregory’s insistence that educational investment was central to that deal had benefits not only for children in his constituency but for children nationwide.”

Carr said he worked directly with Tony Gregory in 1982 when the Gregory deal was being negotiated. “He was determined to make sure that educational improvements were secured for children in the north inner city,” said Carr.

“Tony Gregory was an uncompromising representative for his constituents. A former teacher, he knew the importance of education and battled throughout his political career for improvements. His work led to many improvements in the education system.”

ENDS