The death took place during the recess of Mr. John A. Costello, who in the course of a long and distinguished membership of Dáil Éireann was twice elected Taoiseach. Mr. Costello has been described as a man who resisted greatness, and indeed this would have been entirely in keeping with his deep personal humility. But while his own inclinations and his unassuming nature might well have tempted him to shun prominence the talents with which he was so richly endowed were such that they could not remain hidden, particularly in a man so devoted to the interest of his country and so concerned for the welfare of its people.
A man of brilliant academic achievement, Mr. Costello was admitted to the Irish bar more than 60 years ago. During his long legal career he was a shining example of integrity and fairmindedness as an advocate and of selfless dedication to the interests of his clients.
Mr. Costello was well known as a leading constitutional lawyer, but he was much more than this. In all branches of the law he was a counsellor, adviser and advocate of outstanding excellence. He was, in the words of a tribute paid by the Leader of the Opposition—Deputy Jack Lynch—"One of the most eminent lawyers this State has known." It was typical of him, the hallmark of his sense of duty and fair play as well as the measure of his stature as a lawyer, that even the demands of an enormous legal practice did not prevent him from giving readily the same conscientious and courteous attention and service to the small case as to the big, to the poor client as to the rich.
The talents which he placed so unsparingly at the service of his clients in the course of his professional work John A. Costello also poured out generously in the service of his country. As early as 1923 his ability and energy were directed to helping the infant State in its first formative years, as assistant to the Attorney General. In 1926, while still a young man, he was himself appointed Attorney General. He represented Ireland at imperial conferences and as a delegate to the League of Nations on a number of occasions from 1926 to 1932, and was subsequently elected to Dáil Éireann. In 1948, for the first time and in 1954, for the second time, he was elected Taoiseach.
This is not the time to talk of his political achievements or those of the Governments he led. But it can be said without risk of provoking controversy that by his outstanding personal qualities as a public representative, as a parliamentarian and as a statesman dedicated to parliamentary democracy, he has left his mark indelibly on the story of our times. Cogently convincing in debate he was never petty or unfair. A man of the highest principles, the strong convictions which he held so sincerely were expressed always honestly, often vigorously, but never hurtfully or with bitterness. A man of peace, even in the turbulence of active politics his natural dignity and integrity earned him respect, admiration and esteem on all sides of the political divide. He was a national figure whose personal humility did not allow his fame to cloud or his greatness to blunt his inherent courtesy and kindness.
Those of us who have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Costello and of working with him in any capacity will remember him as an honoured leader, a loyal colleague and a warmhearted and steadfast friend. Political differences will not prevent those who opposed him in politics from recognising his achievements and saluting his memory with esteem and affection.
Perhaps, most of all, he would wish to be remembered not as the towering public figure he undoubtedly was, not as the brilliant lawyer he undoubtedly was, but simply as the quite family man in the heart of the family circle sharing, like so many other Irish parents, in the joys and sorrows of those he loved.
May he rest in peace.
