I feel that I am anticipating and fulfilling what would be the wish of every Deputy in the Dáil when I ask you, a Chinn Chomhairle, to convey, on behalf of the members of the Dáil, to the relatives of the late Mr. Phil. Cosgrave and Senator McPartlin the deep sympathy of the Dáil and of all its members in their sad bereave ment.
Mr. Cosgrave was a mild, unassuming, selfless man. He was also a man of great, quiet strength of character, and he was utterly selfless; but he had the highest possible sense of duty and of discipline, and he shrank from no task, however painful, however invidious, in the service of the Nation and of the people.
Senator McPartlin was a man whom one did not need to meet very often in public life to realise that one was dealing with an extremely honest and intensely patriotic man. He had a great love of his kind. The country is the poorer for his passing. I feel this is not a matter that should call for speeches from members of the Dáil. I feel that in asking you, sir, to convey the deep sympathy of the Dáil to the President and other relatives of the late Mr. Cosgrave and to the family of the late Senator McPartlin, I am in fact speaking for every party and for every Deputy here present.
