THE DAPPER Louis J Belton, former FG TD for Longford-Westmeath, celebrated his 68th birthday in style during the week in Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry.

There was lunch, a birthday cake, candles and no shortage of speeches, with four Ministers turning up to toast him. Alan Shatter, Richard Bruton, Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar, along with Senators Deirdre Clune and Imelda Henry, joined in the singing, which was arranged by Councillor Gerry Reynolds.

“I couldn’t get hold of a minister when I was a TD, now four of them turn up all at once,” said a delighted Louis J.