Thanks to Simon Tait for this report of a tribute paid to Patrick at a recent Southwark Council meeting.
 
‘There was a nice encomium for Patrick at the council meeting last night, given by Ian Wingfield who was chief whip when Patrick chaired the education committee. He said he was a joy to work with, a funny and knowledgeable companion, that he had an ‘inquisitive and intelligent mind’ and made firm political connections, knowing that ‘politics was the right thing do’. He appeared mild-mannered but his hard upbringing in Belfast gave him a toughness that was not at first obvious but came through when necessary.  He steered through the improvement of the education service at a difficult time. ‘His passing is a loss to our world’ he said.  There was loud applause even tough not many of the present cohort of councillors can have known him - his reputation lives still.’