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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Mar 1956

Vol. 154 No. 8

Death of Parliamentary Secretary.

Deputies learned, this morning, with deep regret of the death of Deputy William Davin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.

Deputy Davin was one of the few members who could claim the distinction of continuous membership of the Dáil from the year 1922. His passing will be keenly felt by every Deputy in this House, irrespective of Party ties. For all that time he was one of the representatives for the constituency of Leix-Offaly. His constituents will sadly miss him as well for his personal charm as for the unstinted service he gave to all who needed his help or advice. For the entire period of 34 years during which he was a Deputy of Dáil Éireann he gave unremitting attention to his parliamentary duties and his colleagues in the Dáil will miss his genial personality and the lively sincerity of his speeches.

From an early age he took a deep interest in the Labour movement and was for several years a delegate to the Irish Trades Union Congress. He was chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in 1927-28. An eloquent and forcible speaker, he made many useful contributions in the Dáil not merely on questions touching the interests of the workers but on national affairs and matters of general public concern. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government on the 3rd June, 1954. That position gave him the opportunity which he long desired of giving very special personal attention to the housing problem, and he brought to his duties a full measure of enthusiasm, a lofty purpose and considerable practical knowledge. It is the country's loss that he was not spared to see the fulfilment of his hopes.

I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his widow and relatives the sympathy of Dáil Éireann.

Deputies rose in their places.

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