Tom Kitt Pays Tribute to Matt Merrigan

The Minister for Labour Affairs Tom Kitt this evening (15 June, 2000) paid tribune to Matt Merrigan who died today.

"Matt Merrigan served as Irish Secretary of the AT&GWU for a quarter of a century with great distinction and dedication", said Kitt.

“Matt represented his members both at national and international level through his work with the International Labour Organisation. He was a true gentleman but Matt fought for his members with a steely determination and, with Matt, a deal was a deal”, Minister Kitt commented.

The Minister acknowledged Matt Merrigan’s role in serving as a member of the Employment Tribunal for over 20 years and highlighted his role as a trade union official involved in the first case heard by the EAT’s predecessor, the Redundancy Appeals Tribunal, in 1968.

The Minister extended his sympathy to Matt Merrigan’s family on their bereavement at this sad time.