I very much regret to announce the death of Senator William Sears, which occurred since our last meeting. Senator Sears was only recently elected a member of this House, but those who knew him appreciated his worth. Throughout his life he gave honourable service in the interests of the country.
Death of Senator Sears.
Cathaoirleach
I desire to move:
That this House do now place upon record the expression of its regret at the death of Senator William Sears.
It is with the deepest sorrow that I propose this motion. I think that this Assembly has lost a member whose talents and whose judgment would, had he been spared, have been of great and lasting service to the nation. The Saorstát has lost a loyal citizen who, both by tongue and pen, has ably and bravely defended it. There are many, not only here but throughout Ireland, who have by his death lost a true and faithful friend. For myself, I can speak with a knowledge born of many years close intimacy with the late Senator Sears, an intimacy cemented in various spheres—in the sphere of Press work, in the sphere of political activity and, in the days prior to the establishment of this State, in spheres exacting and testing upon the nerves of those who endured and upon the fealty of those who served this country. In all my associations with the late Senator Sears I found him in counsel shrewd and prudent, in ordeal courageous and unswerving, and in personal relationships helpful and encouraging.
He has been taken from the service of his country and from this Assembly at a moment when, I believe, he was looking forward to further years of contribution to the well-being of the State in the new sphere to which he had been called. It was my privilege, apart from my other relationships with him, to have been identified with him in the decision which brought both of us to this Assembly. When I was last speaking to Senator Sears, just before he was struck down, he was discussing plans for the future in connection with his work in the Seanad. I know how tragic it must have been to him to be called so suddenly away. We have deep reason to regret his loss. Ireland has profound reason to sorrow at his demise. His memory is something for all who knew him to cherish, and his example is something for every citizen of the nation to follow.
I would like to be associated, as seconder, with this motion. With, perhaps, the exception of Senator Milroy, I have been privileged to know the late Senator Sears longer than any other member of the Seanad. Years ago we were associated in local affairs. Later, during the difficult times that preceded the inauguration of a new era in Irish politics, we were also associated. I always found the late Senator an able worker, a competent adviser, a humane man, and a very loyal friend. I regret his loss on personal grounds, owing to our many years of intimate association. I think that the Seanad has lost a very valuable member. Had he been spared to assist in our deliberations, I am certain that this House would have found him a very useful member. It was not to be. In associating ourselves with this motion I think we are paying merely a just tribute to a very noble character, a tribute that will be appreciated by the members of the late Senator's family and by all who were fortunate enough to know him. I beg to second the motion.
Cathaoirleach
As a tribute of respect to the memory of Senator Sears I would ask members of the Seanad to rise in their places.
Motion agreed to, Senators standing.