Le caoin-chead an Cheann Comhairle, ba maith liom tagairt do bhás Liam Mhic Chuinneagáin a cailleadh ag an deireadh seachtaine.
Cúis comhbhróin dúinn uile anseo an taom a bhuail é chomh hobann san. Chaith sé saothar raoa san Oireachtas agus mar bhall de eagraíochtaí eile ag obair ar leas an phobail.
It was with great shock and deep regret that we learned of the death on Sunday of Deputy Liam Cunningham.
He had served as a Member of this House for a quarter of a century and, in his service here, had earned the respect and esteem of all. At local level too, he had seen considerable service both as a member and, for many years, as chairman of Donegal County Council. He served as Parliamentary Secretary in the previous administration and was also, at one stage a Vice-President of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe. He filled these posts and membership of several other bodies with accomplishment and a strong sense of commitment to public life.
Though still in his early sixties he had, therefore, seen service at national, local and vocational level for the span of a very full career, as well as a career as a respected member of the teaching profession.
We mourn and mark his passing here today and I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his wife and family the deepest sympathy of the Members of this House.
Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam.
Members rose in their places.
