It was with great and sincere regret that Members of the House learned during the summer recess of the tragic death in London of Deputy George Colley.
George Colley served this House and this country well. From the time of his election to the Dáil his presence in this House was marked by the high calibre of his work, his unfailing warmth and courtesy and his dedication to the service of the democratic system. His patriotism and his devotion to the Gaelic culture of our land were patent to all. Although we differed on many occasions about our approach to economic policy, this never impinged in any way on our personal relationship outside the confines of the Dáil Chamber.
The many tributes already paid to him testify to the exceptional regard in which he was held by people of all parties and none. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I wish to convey to his wife, Mary, and the members of his family, the sympathy of all of us in this House at his tragic and premature death away from the land to which he was devoted.