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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Oct 1983

Vol. 345 No. 1

Death of Member: Expressions of Sympathy.

It was with great and sincere regret that Members of the House learned during the summer recess of the tragic death in London of Deputy George Colley.

George Colley served this House and this country well. From the time of his election to the Dáil his presence in this House was marked by the high calibre of his work, his unfailing warmth and courtesy and his dedication to the service of the democratic system. His patriotism and his devotion to the Gaelic culture of our land were patent to all. Although we differed on many occasions about our approach to economic policy, this never impinged in any way on our personal relationship outside the confines of the Dáil Chamber.

The many tributes already paid to him testify to the exceptional regard in which he was held by people of all parties and none. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I wish to convey to his wife, Mary, and the members of his family, the sympathy of all of us in this House at his tragic and premature death away from the land to which he was devoted.

Ba thrua linn go léir bás Sheoirse Uí Cholla agus is deacair a chreidiúnt fós go bhfuil sé imithe uainn. Bhí sé in ár mease anseo nuair a cuireadh an Dáil ar ath ló ar an 8ú Iúil agus é i mbarr na sláinte. Toil Dé go ndeantar.

The untimely death of Deputy George Colley on Saturday, 17 September, shocked and saddened us all. Respected on all sides of the House, George Colley, as the Official Reports of our proceedings here over the 22 years of his membership of Dáil Éireann show, was a parliamentarian of the highest calibre, whose contributions to our debates and deliberations were listened to carefully and attentively.

Serving with distinction in successive Ministries during the greater part of his parliamentary career, George Colley displayed the highest degree of administrative skill and political achievement. It is widely acknowledged that his period in office as Minister for Energy especially was an outstanding one. Through his tragic death, his family, our country and the Fianna Fáil Party have suffered a grievous loss.

Bhí a sheasamh go daingean riamh ar son na Gaeilge agus an Gaelachais. Ar dhéis lámh Dé go raibh sé.

On behalf of my party colleagues and on my own behalf, I join with the Taoiseach in extending to George Colley's widow, Mary, and all the family our deepest sympathy on their great loss.

I should like on behalf of The Labour Party and on my own behalf to be associated with the sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach and the Leader of the Opposition.

I did not know George Colley well on a personal basis, but what I did know I respected. He was a man of real courtesy and charm, a dignified and substantial contributor to debates in this Chamber. Even his disagreements with this side of the House were always on matters of policy and were expressed in a manner calculated to persuade rather than to offend. Other speakers have referred to his integrity and to his achievements. Perhaps his greatest achievement was the character, discipline and commitment he brought to every task he undertook. He will be long remembered with affection and respect in this House. Our sympathies again go to his wife, Mary, and his family and to the party he served so well.

I should like to associate myself and Deputy Mac Giolla with the expressions of sympathy extended to the wife and family of the late George Colley.

Members rose in their places.

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