Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Mar 1996

Vol. 146 No. 18

Death of Former Member: Expression of Sympathy.

Mr. D'Arcy

It is my duty on behalf of this House to propose a vote of sympathy to the wife and son of the late Seán Browne. Seán Browne devoted his life to public life. I knew him best as a member of Wexford County Council and during that long period I always found him generous, unselfish and caring. During his term in the Upper and Lower Houses — he was Leas-Cheann Comhairle from 1979 to 1984 — I always found him impartial. He was also a great sportsman. While he never played for the County Wexford team, he was chairman of the Wexford board of the GAA for 21 years and brought great honour to the county's hurling teams during that period.

While we were aware that he was not well, his death still came as a great shock to County Wexford. He served Wexford and Ireland well. He was a generous, honest and good man. On behalf of Seanad Éireann, I extend my sympathy to his wife and son.

Mr. O'Kennedy

Those who did not have the privilege of knowing Seán Browne were deprived of knowing a real gentleman of the highest standard who had the most reasonable disposition to all colleagues in public life. I had the privilege of knowing him for almost all the years he was a Member of Seanad and Dáil Éireann.

When we pay tribute to Seán Browne, we should recognise what people like him represented in public life. There is some cynicism about people in public life and the word "politician" tends to be denigrated. However, there are still, as there was then, people who are animated only by commitment to their community and to serving the country they love so well. Seán Browne was one such person. I cannot think of anyone who would have anything but the kindest and warmest words of appreciation for him.

His Wexford roots meant much to him. We joked, laughed and fought about it in terms of the hurling rivalries between our counties. However, he was definitely rooted in the values of Ireland and in not only maintaining, but enhancing those values. At a time when they are under attack we should at least acknowledge that men like him have done much to maintain standards in public life.

It is a privilege for me, although a sad one, to be asked by my party to acknowledge his contribution not only to us but to public life. I join with Senator D'Arcy, who knew him personally, in conveying our sympathies to his wife and son. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis uasal.

Mr. O'Toole

No one on the Independent benches had the privilege of knowing the former Deputy and Senator Seán Browne. However, as is our practice, we wish to be associated with the expression of condolence to any public representative who gave his or her best to improve democracy. We agree that those who have contributed to public life are the guardians of democracy. The country is indebted to this man who gave his time at local and national level. We wish to be associated with the expression of condolence to his wife and son.

Mr. Dardis

The Progressive Democrats also wish to be associated with this expression of sympathy to the wife and son of the late Seán Browne. It is a singular achievement to have served in one or the other Houses for over 20 years and it should be marked. I also extend our sympathy to his nephew, Deputy Browne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Ms O'Sullivan

The Labour Party would also like to be associated with the tributes paid to Seán Browne. I did not know him either. I know from talking to party colleagues in the Dáil that he was a fine public representative who worked with people from all sides for the good of his constituents and for the good of Ireland. Like other Members, I pay tribute to him for his long service both in the Dáil and Seanad and I convey our sympathy to his wife and son and to Deputy John Browne.

Mr. Sherlock

I also join in the vote of sympathy. I remember Seán Browne during the elections in the 1981 to 1982 period. He had a very high profile and had a great involvement in Gaelic games. Ba mhaith liom cuidiú leis an rún comhbhrón.

An Cathaoirleach

We will stand for a minute's silence.

Members rose in their places.