Members of the House will have learned with the deepest regret of the death early this morning of Deputy John Callanan. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
First elected a Member of Dáil Éireann in 1973, he had been a member of Galway County Council since 1969 and vice-chairman of the Galway County Committee of Agriculture. A founder member of Macra na Feirme in Galway and a national Vice-President for many years, he was also a founder member of the then National Farmers' Association and a member of several other bodies and organisations.
John Callanan's views on the agricultural industry commanded the widest respect and attention. He was at all times a fearless champion of farmers' rights, especially the rights of the small farmer. The underprivileged and the less well-off members of society were always his special concern. Johnny Callanan, as he was affectionately known to us all, was a dedicated public representative, a great Irishman and a true patriot. He devoted his whole life, tirelessly and unselfishly, to the welfare of his people, who held him in the highest regard and respect, as did every Member of this House.
I know that all Deputies will share in a very special way the sense of loss and grief of the late Deputy's wife and family to whom I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey our deepest sympathy in their great sorrow.
