Before the commencement of business I would like to propose a vote of sympathy with the Honan family, in particular with Senator Tras Honan, on the death of her husband, former Senator Derry Honan. The Honan family have played a major part in politics and the social, economic and cultural life of this country. The contributions of the late Senator Honan, his father and Senator Tras Honan have been of inestimable value to this country. I do not want to eulogise the Honan family but it is appropriate that the House should pass a motion of sympathy with the family and express thanks to them for the work they have done for this country and, in particular, the work they have done for this House.
Death of Former Senators: Expressions of Sympathy.
I should like to join in this expression of sympathy to the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Honan family. There are few of us left who served with Derry Honan in Seanad Éireann but anyone who did so could not but admire the quiet, determined way in which he made his contribution to this House. He certainly was of the spirit of the Seanad and in this way he made a contribution which was, perhaps, more lasting than that of what I might call some noisier Members. Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition will not mind if I join also in this expression of sympathy, another former Senator, Tom Kilbride, for some years a Member of this House who died since the Seanad last met.
On behalf of the Labour Party I should like to be associated with the expression of sympathy by the Leader of the Opposition to our colleague, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Tras Honan, on the death of her husband, Derry. Those in public life at the level we are at recognise the contribution of the Honan family, not alone to the Fianna Fáil Party but to public life generally. They have been associated with the institutions of the State for many years. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Derry in his heyday will always remember him. Those of us who have been on the road canvassing will have experienced the hospitality of the Honan household. I had the privilege of knowing him. He canvassed me and, and in my day, I canvassed him. That is as he would want it. He was an extraordinarily interesting man to talk to. He had a tremendous involvement in public life and it is good that his name is continuing in this House.
I also want to be associated with the leader's comments and expression of sympathy to the Kilbride family on the death of the late Senator Tom Kilbride. I had the privilege of serving with him in the House and found him to be a perfect gentleman. It is sad that during the summer recess we have lost two former Members of the House and it is appropriate that today we should remember them before we commence a new session.
On my own behalf, and with the consent of my colleagues, I should like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy on the death of the former Senator Honan. I am long enough in this House to remember him well as a colleague. He impressed those of us who worked with him by the seriousness with which he treated this House and its role in the parliamentary process and his enormous courtesy and generosity of mind and spirit. I would like to be associated with the expression of sympathy on the death of the former Member of this House, Tom Kilbride. It is sad to hear of the passing of former Members of this House. On behalf of the independents I should like to be associated with the comments.
On behalf of Senator Brid Rogers, and myself, the two Independents from the other side of the national divide, I would like the House to know that we wish to be very sincerely associated with what has been said. Someone from a different tradition should acknowledge the great role which the Honan family played not only here but also in Ennis and in the history of the origins of the State and, in particular, in their association with the late President de Valera. I know — I now speak personally — how much it meant to me when I arrived here as a complete stranger to receive a very warm and gracious welcome from the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I will always remember that. I also speak for Senator Rogers when I say that the Leas-Chathaoirleach established a way of welcome which is typical of the family from which she comes. We join with the other Senators in offering our sympathy.
I should like to join with my colleagues, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the House in expressing sympathy with our colleague, Senator Tras Honan, on the death of her husband. I, too, had the honour of serving in this House with both Derry Honan and Tom Kilbride and I regret their passing. It has been an enriching experiencing over the years to have worked with Senators from different parts of the country and it is nice to have fond memories of all of them. I offer deepest condolences to both families.
It has been the practice here that only one Member from each party speaks in the case of an expression of sympathy. On this occasion, however, when the Leader was speaking he was not aware, nor were any of us on this side of the House, that Senator Kilbride had passed away. In associating myself with the expression of sympathy to the Honan family I wish to be associated, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, with the expression of sympathy to the Kilbride family on their bereavement.
I should like to be associated with the expression of sympathy to the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Tras Honan, on the death of her husband, a man whom I knew and respected in my early years as a Member of this House. I should also like to join in the tribute to the late Senator Tom Kilbride. As a public representative he gave great service to the people. He was a member of Longford County Council, Granard Town Commission and a Member of this House. I should like to convey to his widow and family my sincerest sympathy.
Before I call on Senator Honan to reply I should also like to express my personal sympathy to Senator Honan on the death of her husband. I knew Derry Honan exceptionally well. He was a Member of the House from 1965 to 1973 and one can only describe him as a real gentleman. I should also like to offer my sympathy to Mrs. Kilbride and her family on the death of ex-Senator Tom Kilbride.
It has never happened before in this distinguished House that the wife of somebody who had passed on should be present for the tributes. My few words are not easy but it was a view that Derry and I shared that duty had to be done. Whether sad or not, like today, one carries out one's duty. We shared very positive thinking and the view that one always said "thanks" whether for the kind remarks just made about Derry or anything else. He would expect that I should do this and not let him down. I warmly thank everyone for their kind remarks about Derry. I want to thank the Cathaoirleach, my colleagues on the Government side, my own party and, indeed, my close friends, the Independent, Senator Mary Robinson, and her colleagues Senator Brendan Ryan and Senator Robb. There was a golden rule, that one said thanks and on behalf of Derry, our son, Ann, and myself I do so.
Before I sit down I should like to put on record again that it is not often noted by outside critics of us that serve unselfishly in public life how rough the going is and how hard it is on family life. Through Derry's ten months of illness, and the three awful days in July, and since then, one would have to be a member of the party I am honoured to serve in, and of this House to realise that there is a bond, a closeness and support when one needs it. I certainly got it through the awful year that is behind me. I should like to put something on record, because my late husband would want it done.
My husband's commitment to this House was referred to and I should like to point out that Derry was always quite clear in his mind about the important role of the Seanad to this nation and its people. He was always specific about how important the Seanad was and in recent years the Seanad has proved as important as Derry always saw it. If I was only half as good as Derry was as a Senator I would, indeed, be a good Senator. My warm and sincere thanks to everyone.
Members rose in their places.