Before the Order of Business we will hear expressions of sympathy on the tragic death of our former colleague, Michael Enright.
Death of Former Member: Expression of Sympathy.
It was with the deepest shock that we learned of the death of Michael Enright. He was a Member of this House for a short time only, having been nominated by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bruton, on 13 June. He had been actively involved in politics for a considerable time. He worked hard on behalf of the people of Wexford in his capacity as a member of Wexford Corporation since 1985. He contested general elections on a number of occasions on behalf of Democratic Left. Both he and his wife were teachers; he was extremely active in the TUI and his wife, Mary, is currently serving on its executive. I offer our sincere sympathy to her and their two children on their sad loss. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of Fine Gael I join with the expression of sympathy to the family of the late Michael Enright. We heard of last night's horrific accident with great shock, which was made all the greater when we heard that a former Member of this House was among those who so tragically lost their lives. He sat in this House for just one day during the interregnum but he knew at that stage he would have a short Seanad career. He made a point of speaking on that day and he spoke well. He was an engaging person whose whole life was dedicated to service, particularly to his local community as a teacher. He was one of those dedicated public servants who received little from politics but put in a great deal, not least his sense of idealism and concerns about the deprived in society. I convey the sympathy of my party and myself to his wife and family on their terrible loss. I also express sympathy to the families of the three other people who lost their lives at such a young age in this crash.
It is with great sorrow that I express sympathy on behalf of the Independent Senators, particularly Senator Ryan who is a colleague of Mrs. Enright in the TUI. Every morning we wake up to another tragedy and it is sad to think that the man who sat directly in front of me on the one day on which he able to attend the Seanad as a Member is now dead. He was thrilled to attend and speak that day because he was not standing in the Seanad elections. Along with the Leader and Senator Manning, we send our deepest sympathy to his family and the families of those three other young men killed in this horrific crash.
On behalf of the Labour Party I extend sympathy to the wife and family of Michael Enright and to the other families who have been so tragically bereaved by this horrific car crash. I also extend sympathy to Democratic Left, of which Michael Enright was a prominent member. I knew him well as a teacher and colleague. He was a member of the TUI executive and a strong trade unionist. It is sad that a former Member of the House should die in this manner and perhaps the best memorial to him would be to see what steps we can take to prevent such terrible accidents.
On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I join with the expressions of sympathy to the family of the late Michael Enright. We were disturbed to hear of the horrific crash in Wicklow last night and we were even more shocked to hear Michael Enright was one of the victims. We extend our sympathy to the families of the three other people killed, to the wife and family of Michael Enright and his colleagues in Democratic Left and on Wexford Corporation.
There has been a speaker from each group but, in accordance with precedent, I will call his County Wexford colleague, Senator Walsh.
Aontaím leis an méid atá ráite ag na cainteoirí eile. I join in the expressions of sympathy to Michael Enright's wife, Mary, and his two children. He was a Clareman who lived in Wexford for many years. He was first elected to Wexford Corporation in 1985 and served there with great distinction ever since. He taught in the vocational school in Kilmuckridge, as does his wife. His pupils have also suffered a great loss and we should extend our sympathy to them.
It is fair to say that if Michael Enright had served in any other constituency he would have been elected as a Deputy for Democratic Left. He served his party and constituents extremely well during his period in public life. I understand that during his brief period in the Seanad he said prophetically that his first speech in the House would be his last. It is sad that turned out to be the case.
Despite the circumstances of the accident, I also join in the expressions of sympathy to the families of the other three people who were killed. I am sure the circumstances of the accident will only aggravate the grief they are suffering. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
I join in the expressions of sympathy to the wife and family of the late Michael Enright. I also wish to be associated with the tributes paid to him by previous speakers.