[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1539-E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS THOMAS J. MANTON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL R. McNULTY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2006

  Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
mourn the loss of a former colleague, a patriot, and a dear friend.
  Tom Manton was the son of immigrant farmers from the west of 
Ireland--Thomas, of

[[Page E1540]]

County Roscommon, and Margaret, of County Mayo.
  Consider his impressive life story: Born in Manhattan, reared in 
Queens, educated in Brooklyn, then 2 years in the Marine Corps, 5 years 
in the New York Police Department, 15 years on the New York City 
Council, and 14 years here in Congress.
  Thankfully, my career as a Member of Congress included a wonderful 
working relationship and tremendous friendship with Tom Manton. We 
worked together on a number of issues--most notably the quest for peace 
in Ireland, and the goal of uniting all the counties of Ireland.
  Tom served as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs. I 
had the privilege of traveling with him and President Clinton to 
Northern Ireland. Tom was a leading force in getting President Clinton 
involved in the peace process. Tom was chiefly responsible for getting 
the president to agree to meet with Gerry Adams.
  Tom's commitment to the cause of justice and peace in Ireland, and 
his commitment to human rights, was a driving force that helped lead to 
the Good Friday Accords.
  But, Mr. Speaker, more than the working relationship, there was the 
friendship.
  In my first run for Congress, almost two decades ago, without 
hesitation, the man from Queens was there to help me. And thanks to 
Tom, and many others, I won.
  I am so grateful for the wise advice and good counsel Tom gave to me 
through the years.
  Mr. Speaker, before I even came to Washington in 1988 for the formal 
orientation, Tom Manton invited me to his office in New York City for 
an informal orientation. It was an invaluable introduction to what life 
in Congress was like.
  I never could thank him enough for that.
  In my later reelection campaigns, Tom was always there to help. Once 
I told him of an event that the Irish American community in my district 
was planning to help my campaign. Tom immediately said, ``Yes, I'll be 
there.''
  And he was. We had the party in Albany, and Tom spoke on my behalf. 
He didn't stop there, however, because Tom Manton also sang on my 
behalf.
  And I shall always be proud to sing his praises!!
  Tom Manton rendered a lifetime of outstanding service to his family, 
his community, and his country. I am truly blessed and deeply grateful 
to have been able to count him as a friend.

                          ____________________