Thomas Manton: “I rise to pay tribute to the late Speaker, the Honorable Thomas P. Tip O'Neill, Jr. ``Tip'' O'Neill was a great and…”

“I rise to pay tribute to the late Speaker, the Honorable Thomas P. Tip O'Neill, Jr. ``Tip'' O'Neill was a great and admirable man who had the personality and character that made him a magnificent leader--someone we will never forget. He taught this body and this Nation during his 50 years of public service. One of the many lessons he taught us is that, ``All politics is local.'' Tip never forgot where he came from--he never forgot his roots and the people who elected him to office every 2 years. He taught us that, ``The art of politics is compromise.'' Whether it's the President trying to get a bill passed, or the Speaker settling a fight between two committee chairmen, the essential ingredient of politics is compromise. He taught us that political compromise is not compromising your morals or principles, but deferring your idea so a majority can be reached. He taught us that compromise means appealing to one's conscience, patriotism, and, above all, loyalty. Tip O'Neill was the first American Speaker to visit Ireland. During the past 20 years, he was a constant voice for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. As an Irish-American myself, I will not forget his work toward peace in that great land. Although I was only able to serve under Tip's leadership for 2 years, he left an indelible mark that I will carry for the rest of my life. He was caring, compassionate, and so decent--a man who did so much for so many.”