The House will have learned with deep regret of the unexpected death of Deputy Michael Joseph Kennedy—Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Only a few days ago he was in our midst here, apparently in good health and fully recovered from his recent illness—taking part in our affairs with the same drive, energy and devotion to duty as when he first entered Dáil Éireann almost 40 years ago.
Joe Kennedy was totally dedicated to the national interest as he saw it, and to which he gave a life-time of devoted service. He was active in the national movement since his boyhood days, first as a member of Fianna Éireann and later as a member of the Volunteers. He played a prominent part all through the War of Independence, suffering terms of imprisonment and undergoing the hardships of hunger strike.
He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1927 and had unbroken membership of the Dáil since then. He also gave many years of valuable service as a member of Westmeath County Council of which body he was Chairman for a number of years.
His outstanding characteristics were his deep sincerity and unshakeable integrity. His uncompromising assertion of his views, and his strong advocacy of the causes which were dearest to him won him the admiration of his friends and the respect of even his strongest opponents. He had an intimate knowledge of local government affairs and, particularly during his term of office as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Welfare, he made a most valuable contribution to the development of social policy, in which he was deeply interested.
A fluent speaker of Irish, he was most active in the language revival movement, a cause in which he passionately believed.
Through his death, Ireland has lost a steadfast, patriotic son. This House will miss one of its most zealous and most dedicated members. The loss of such an outstanding and devoted Dáil representative will be especially mourned by the people of Longford-Westmeath on whose behalf he was so active up to the date of his death.
I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to the family of the late Deputy the very sincere sympathy of the members of Dáil Éireann.
Members rose in their places.