Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1984

Vol. 353 No. 4

Death of Prime Minister of India: Motion.

The Taoiseach

Táirgím:

Go ndéanfaidh Dáil Éireann comhbhrón diacrach le Parlaimint agus pobal na hIndia faoi bhás an Phríomh Aire Indira Gandhi.

I move:

That Dáil Éireann extend its deep sympathy to the Parliament and people of India on the death of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Deputies will have been shocked to learn this morning of the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India. The loss of this great leader is indeed a profound tragedy for India with its population of many different races and religions. India is a country with which Ireland has close friendships and many ties dating back to the foundation of our State. Reflecting these ties our two countries have exchanged Presidential visits on a number of occasions.

I know Deputies will want to join with me in expressing the hope that the aftermath of this terrible event will be peaceful in that great democracy, and also in conveying our sorrow to the Government and Parliament of India, and to the family of the late Mrs. Gandhi, on this appalling tragedy.

Mr. Haughey

Aontaíom leis an tairiscint go ndéanfaidh Dáil Éireann comhbhrón diachrach le Parlaimint agus pobal na hIndia faoi bhás an Phríomh Aire, Indira Gandhi. The news of the assassination of the Indian Prime Minister will be received with horror and dismay throughout Ireland. A great leader of the world's greatest democracy, with all its daunting and complex problems, Mrs. Gandhi dedicated herself with remarkable devotion throughout her life to the service of her country and all her people. She followed devotedly in the footsteps of her illustrious father, Pandit Nehru, a friend and admirer for many years of Éamon de Valera. Because of the special ties, political and cultural, which have long bound our countries together, the news of Mrs. Gandhi's death will be all the more keenly felt here.

His Excellency, the Indian Ambassador, this morning spoke to me of the fact that when the State of India was being established they drew very heavily on the Irish Constitution for the formulation of their own Constitution. That shows how important and significant and historical are the ties between our two countries. Our prayer is that the people of India will overcome successfully this tragic event in the history of their country and that India's future will be one of progress and peace.

In joining with the Taoiseach's expression of sympathy I wish on behalf of my colleagues in Fianna Fáil and on my own behalf to extend deepest sympathy to Mrs. Gandhi's family and to all the people of India on their grievous loss.

The Tánaiste

I should like to be associated, as Leader of the Labour Party, with the remarks made by the Taoiseach and the Leader of the Opposition on the death of Indira Gandhi. India has lost a stateswomen of world stature. Her commitment to the underprivileged in her country and her involvement in the search for world peace, especially through the leading role she played in the non-aligned movement, make her a loss to the entire world. I would pay a tribute to her personal qualities, her courage, her determination and her leadership ability. I add the condolences of the Labour Party as well as my own to her family and her country.

Tomás Mac Giolla

Is mian liom tacaíocht a thabhairt don rún comhbhróin seo do phobal na hIndia faoi bhás Indira Gandhi. She was a remarkable woman who was highly respected and her loss will be felt not only in the India subcontinent but internationally because of her great work for peace and disarmament and also her commitment to and leadership of the movement of non-aligned nations, with which our country should be in closer touch.

Members rose in their places.

Question put and agreed to.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will have the resolution conveyed to the Indian Parliament.