Paddy Burke

Paddy Burke was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, on 15 January 1955, making that western town the quiet starting point for a life spent shaping national argument. He later became Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, guiding debate from 2011 to 2016 after years as deputy chair. A man from Mayo became the voice of order in a chamber full of voices, which is a fine transformation for one place to give another.