I understand that it is proposed to have expressions of condolence on the death of Frank Aiken.
Death of Former Member: Expression of Sympathy.
Frank Aiken's record of service to the nation is known to all. For over 40 years from his participation in the events that led to the independence of this State until he relinquished office as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1969 he was active in the political life of this country. In the final ministerial office which he held he enhanced this country's reputation in the international forum. His work to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons through the United Nations, led to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1961, which is a monument to his persistence and idealism.
His kindness and generosity to which I myself and other members of my family can personally testify, brought him the regard of all who knew him, and with his wife, whose tragic death darkened the closing years of his life, he will be remembered affectionately by all whose paths crossed his during that long life. I wish to extend my sympathy to his family on behalf of the Government and on behalf of the party I lead.
Tháinig brón mór orainn go léir nuair a chualamar go raibh Proinsias Mac Aogáin imithe ar shlí na fírinne. Togha fear a bhí ann, laoch cróga, Gaelach.
With the death of Frank Aiken Ireland has lost a distinguished public man. His contribution to the attainment of our freedom and to the wellbeing of our people has been enormous. His love of country, patriotism, integrity, selfless dedication to his political ideals, his particularly strong devotion to the Irish language all won for him admiration and respect from all sides. His long and distinguished career of public service began when as a boy of 15 he joined the Irish Volunteers and he subsequently rose to be Chief of Staff in the Irish Republican Army. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann for the Louth constituency in 1923 and he achieved that rare distinction of an unbroken record of parliamentary service here in the Dáil covering a period of 50 years, first as Minister for Defence and during the crucial years of World War II as Minister for Co-ordination of Defensive Measures. His work in building up the Irish Defence Forces to the level which the maintenance of our neutrality demanded was outstanding.
He was always a positive thinker and he had original ideas which he never hesitated to canvass enthusiastically. His support for the development of Irish industry and in particular for the establishment of the Irish peat industry has been widely recognised and acclaimed. In latter years as Tánaiste and Minister for External Affairs he dedicated himself selflessly and enthusiastically to the cause of world peace and to the work of the United Nations. By his fearless and original contribution to the UN General Assembly debates he achieved world stature, and indeed he won a proud and respected place for Ireland in the forum of the nations. He will always, of course, be particularly associated with Éamonn de Valera, whose close friend, companion and confidant he was down years in good times and bad.
On behalf of my colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Party and on my own behalf I join with the Taoiseach in extending to the sons and daughters of the late Proinsias Mac Aogáin deepest sympathy on their loss. I gcomhluadar laochra Gael go raibh sé go deo.
On behalf of the Labour Party I, too, wish to be associated with the remarks made here this morning on the sad passing of Frank Aiken. He served the country for many years in public life and he did so in an honourable and dedicated manner. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Aiken family who can be very proud of the enormous contribution made to the nation by Frank Aiken.
I would like to be associated with the tributes to Frank Aiken. I cannot say that I would have agreed with the Government with which he was associated but he would be remembered nationally if only for his great contribution in the War of Independence. Subsequently he became an international figure through his activities at the United Nations where he gave us an example which should be followed today, indicating our positive role of neutrality. I wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy to his family.