Fed: Tributes flow in for John Quirke

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2000
Fed: Tributes flow in for John Quirke

Senators have crossed the political divide today to pay tribute to former Labor Senator
JOHN QUIRKE, who resigned this week due to health problems.

Senator QUIRKE, aged 49, has been a senator since 1997 after eight years in the South
Australian state parliament and is a keen factional player.

He suffers from a severe type of diabetes which leaves him dependent on daily insulin injections.

South Australian Liberal Senator ALAN FERGUSON has described Mr QUIRK as a slick political
operator and a straight shooter.

He also praised Mr QUIRKE, a father of four, for his decision to resign in the interests
of his family.

Labor Senate leader JOHN FAULKNER says Mr QUIRKE is a long-standing and loyal member
of the ALP and has always performed his Senate duties with enthusiasm.

And New South Wales National Party Senator SANDY MACDONALD says Mr QUIRKE is one of
the most popular senators and a decent man with decent policies.

Mr QUIRKE was first appointed to the Senate in 1997 to fill a casual vacancy but won
his seat at the 1998 election and wasn't due for re-election until 2005.

AAP RTV kmh/mfh/nf/jn

KEYWORD: QUIRKE (CANBERRA)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.