Before we proceed with the business of the House, I propose that the condolences of the House be conveyed to Senator Gordon Wilson and his family on the appalling tragedy that has befallen them.
Expression of Sympathy to Senator Wilson.
I am sure the House will agree.
I concur with the view expressed by Deputy Shatter. I have already conveyed my sympathy to Senator Wilson and his wife on yet another horrible tragedy to strike that family. Words fail all of us in expressing our deepest sadness at such a double shock for Senator Gordon Wilson and his wife. I wish to endorse the expression of sympathy.
I should like to join the Taoiseach in saying how inexpressibly shocked all of us in this House were when the news spread of this awful tragedy that has befallen the Wilson family. It must be as near to an unbearable burden as anything possibly can be in any person's life that a double tragedy of this nature should occur.
What has struck me most about Senator Wilson, particularly listening to his contributions at the meetings of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, is the sense in which everything he does in his political life is informed by his faith in God. His religious beliefs seem to shine through in all his work in political life. That is probably his most notable characteristic. I have no doubt that that faith will help him immeasurably and his family, whom I have no doubt share that faith with him, in coping with this tragedy which it is almost impossible to cope with.
It is my hope that at tomorrow's meeting of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation — Senator Wilson has been probably the most eloquent and interesting contributor to all our discussions — where there will be a wider representation of parties than in this House, we will be afforded an opportunity to underline the sense of sympathy felt by every person on this and the neighbouring island with Senator Wilson and his family on this terrible loss.
On my own behalf, and that of my parliamentary colleagues, I would like to convey deepest sympathy to Senator Wilson who has experienced tremendous tragedy in the past. He will need all of the strength he has shown since then to cope with this latest tragedy. I conveyed my sympathy to him this morning. As the Taoiseach said in his statement last night, Senator Wilson has the sympathy of everybody on this double tragedy which has befallen him, his family and the family of his late son.
I should like to join the Taoiseach and other party leaders in extending my sympathy, and that of the Progressive Democrats, to Senator Wilson and his family. Senator Wilson has shown what forgiveness is all about in the way he bore the awful grief when his daughter, Marie, died.
After he was nominated to Seanad Éireann all Members of the Oireachtas got to know him personally. It is fair to say that on all sides of both Houses he is seen as a really decent man, one who is loved by everybody, a very generous and open-minded person. I extend my sympathy to him on this dreadful tragedy. As Deputy Spring said, I have no doubt that the strength he showed before will be required at this time.
On hearing the news this morning I was deeply shocked at the tragedy Senator Wilson has to endure yet again. When his daughter was murdered some years ago he showed an extraordinary capacity for forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and demonstrated to all of us the strength of character needed in circumstances in which people find themselves from time to time.
On my behalf, and that of Democratic Left, I should like to convey to Senator Wilson, and his family, our deeply felt sorrow at their sad loss.
It is very sad for us today to think about the loss the Wilson family have had to bear on the death of yet another family member, Peter. It is a tragedy occurring on top of another of which all of us became aware after the Enniskillen bombing.
It is important to state that somebody like Senator Wilson is an extremely respected figure and, as such, the sympathy of this House and of the people of both parts of Ireland will be very much with him and his family. Although it may be of small comfort to them, anything and everything we can do will be done to help. It has to be said that Senator Wilson has brought a level of humanity to these Houses with his ability to forgive, to reach out, understand and accept that others have points of view with which we may not altogether agree but which nonetheless are deserving of respect. Therefore, his loss, and that of his family, is all the more poignant since it tests what we would all hope would be almost beyond our greatest endurance.
Let us rise in prayerful silence.
Members rose.