Tributes paid to Louis J Belton, RIP

Minister Peter Burke, TD, and former Fine Gael leader John Bruton have paid tribute this week to Louis J Belton, RIP.

In a statement, Minister Burke said: “I am very saddened to hear of the news of the passing of Louis J Belton, RIP, and I pass on my sincere condolences to his family and wide circle of friends.

“Louis was a strong voice of Fine Gael representation in the Longford area and was elected with former Deputy Paul McGrath on the same day in 1989, on his first attempt.

“That was a dramatic victory against all predictions in a constituency with three heavyweight Fianna Fáil deputies. He was the first Longford based deputy since General Seán Mac Eoin, in 1965. Louis was part of the famous Belton Clan and he had numerous cousins who were also elected to hold public office, one of whom is Avril Doyle, former MEP for Leinster, TD and senator,” said Minister Burke.

Louis J Belton was born in Longford in 1943, and received his education at St Mel’s College, Longford. He was a member of the Longford County Council, Longford ACOT, Midland Regional Development Organisation and the General Council of County Councils.

He was a candidate in the new constituency of Longford Roscommon in 1992. He served as a senator, on the Administrative Panel, from 1992-1997, and as a spokesperson on defence and the marine. He was re-elected to Dáil Éireann in 1997 and continued in office until the May 2002 general election, after which he retired from public life.

John Bruton said in a statement at the weekend: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my old friend, Louis J Belton. Coming from a family that has members in the Oireachtas almost since the foundation of the state, Louis brought his own distinctive style to politics. His contributions at meetings of the Fine Gael parliamentary party were noteworthy. He mixed self deprecating humour with the fruits of serious reflection on the political issues of the day.

“He was a formidable grassroots campaigner. One of my happiest political memories is of campaigning with him in Ardagh in the 1992 general election, when, against the national trend, Louis regained his seat.

“I extend heartfelt sympathy to all the Belton family, and to the people of Longford on their great loss.”