At this stage, as the Leas-Chathaoirleach has come into the House I want to propose a vote of sympathy to Senator McDonald on the sad loss of his mother. All I can do is to say he was one of the lucky ones because she lived to be a wonderful age. I know it is not going to be easy in the weeks ahead for him. I was not as lucky because I lost my mother at seven. My deepest sympathy goes to Senator McDonald. I deeply regret I was not able to attend his late mother's funeral because I was tied up. All the condolences I can convey to him as a friend and colleague are his.
Expression of Sympathy.
On behalf of the Fine Gael Party and the Opposition I would like to be associated with that very elegant expression of sympathy which you have just proposed and to offer Senator McDonald all our sympathy.
On behalf of the Government side I, too, would like to offer our sympathy to Senator McDonald on the recent death of his mother. At all times we hold Senator McDonald in high esteem and we are very sorry that this occasion should arise. We offer our sympathy.
The death of a parent is no less painful because of the fact that one gets older. Since my own father's death some years ago, I can sympathise fully with Senator McDonald, and on behalf of all the Independent Members I think I may say we would all like to be associated with this vote of sympathy.
On behalf of the Labour Party I want to be associated with the condolences. Anyone who was at the funeral will realise from the large gathering of people there that this woman, with her political involvement in particular, was a legend and was respected by everybody. The greatest tribute that could be paid to her and to the McDonald family was the large attendance of people from all over the country. Her involvement was something to be admired and something that we all like our parents to be involved with. My mother is still alive at 83 and is as actively involved as anybody else. It is always a shock when one loses either parent.
Personally and on behalf of the Government, I would also like to extend deepest sympathy to Senator McDonald. The loss of any loved one at any time is very traumatic. We express our condolences to Senator McDonald whom we all hold in very high regard.
I am very touched by the kind expressions of sympathy from the Cathaoirleach, my colleagues and the Minister here this afternoon. I lost my father in 1940 so I had a very close relationship with my mother. It is a big loss. However, when one is over 80, I presume one has to accept that one is on borrowed time. She had the blessings of a very long and healthy life. Only last week I renewed her driving licence.
She had a very peaceful passing. She was a politically active person inasmuch as she always maintained a great interest in the country and she devoted a lot of her time to various charities and parish work. She attended practically every Cumann na nGaedheal and Fine Gael branch meeting from the twenties right up to the very last one. I think it is lovely that people can retain an interest in public affairs like that. It is lovely to have such interests and be able to live out one's life to the full. So, in the sorrow there is great consolation. She was a very holy and pious person and we have that great consolation and happiness. I deeply appreciate the kind thoughts and wishes of my colleagues, yourself, a Chathaoirligh, and the Minister. My thanks also on behalf of my sisters, stepfather and all our family.
Before we stand, I left out the Clerk and Clerk Assistant. I am certain they would like to be associated with our expression of sympathy.
Members rose in their places.