It was with deep regret that we learned last night of the death of an esteemed former Member of this House, Mr. Paudge Brennan. He was born in Carnew in County Wicklow and was first elected to the Dáil in 1954, regaining the seat held by his late father, Tom, since 1944. He was subsequently re-elected at every election up to 1969, heading the poll for that constituency on each occasion.
A former member of the Fianna Fáil National Executive, Paudge was also a vice-president of the party for many years. During his time in the Dáil he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the late Mr. Neil Blaney and Mr. Kevin Boland when they were Ministers. He held this position from 1965 until 1970. He was a Taoiseach's nominee in this House from April to November 1982 and he retired from national politics in 1987.
Paudge was also a distinguished member of Wicklow County Council for many years and a former chairman of Wicklow VEC. He was a member of Wicklow County Committee of Agriculture and a distinguished member of the General Council of County Councils for many years. He was a member of the European Conference of Local Authorities from 1961-5.
During his time in the Dáil and Seanad he was a vocal public representative on agricultural issues and, in particular, on matters affecting those he so ably represented and his famed County Wicklow. During his long service in public life Paudge continually pressed the interests of the people of his county whom he served so well. In fact, it was he who was instrumental in bringing Nitrigin Éireann, now known as Irish Fertilizer Industries Limited, to Arklow.
Paudge was a proud member of the Gaelic Athletic Association. He represented his club, Carnew, with great distinction for many years and was a well known player on the Wicklow county football team for many years also. He was on that famous team which took part in the game known as "The Long Whistle". The game went 11 minutes over the time and the moment Meath got the winning extra point, the game concluded.