It was a veritable who's who of the Fianna Fáil clan as over 700 people turned out, suited and booted, to celebrate Deputy Noel Treacy's 25 years in Dáil Éireann on Sunday 28 October.

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern with Deputy Noel Treacy. Photo: Hany Marzouk

The Galway East Deputy was the centre of attention at the well-attended do in the new Shearwater Plaza Hotel, Ballinasloe, while the main attraction was a visit by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds also attended the silver jubilee event along with MEP Pat Cox and former Minister and EU Commissioner Ray McSharry.

In his speech, An Taoiseach said it was "a great honour to mark a major milestone in the public service career of one of Galway East and Ireland's best politicians."

He said there was "no doubt" that Deputy Treacy "had given 25 years of sterling service to his constituents and country" and said his career had been one of energy, hard work and of many achievements."

He also had a few digs at the media, who were conveniently seated right beside the elected representatives table.

"Throughout last year and the early months of this year," he said, "many commentators were all too willing to write the political obituaries of fine politicians, such as Noel Treacy."

Journalists shifted uncomfortably in their seats as he delivered a few more jibes. He spoke of how good news does not make good news stories and put the fault at the foot of the editors. While the remarks drew a few laughs, there were some red faces all the same.

The man of the moment Noel Treacy said he was "humbled and overwhelmed" by the numbers who attended the event. He made reference to the "highs and lows of politics" and his "immediate disappointment" at losing the rank of Junior Minister. However, he accepted this as the "risk and unpredictability of politics".

He spoke of how "no man is an island" in the political arena and gave special thanks to his family, his wife Mary and four children, Joan, Emer, Lisa and Rory.

While dejected by the demotion, Deputy Treacy has been comforted by the opportunity to chair the committee on the Good Friday Agreement.

It is a subject close to the heart of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds who played a pivotal role in the peace process during his political career.

In his speech, the former Taoiseach highlighted this fresh link uniting him with Deputy Treacy.

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