I greatly regret to announce to the House the death, on the 28th November, of Senator George Crosbie, and, on 30th November, of Senator Francis MacGuinness. Both Senators died within a few days of the expiry of their term of office. Does any Senator desire to speak?
Deceased Senators: Expression of Sympathy.
I would ask your permission, Sir, and the permission of the House, to pay a tribute to the memory of Senator George Crosbie, who has passed away since we last met. As those of us who have been his colleagues know, he was a man of the very highest character. While he felt strongly, he was tolerant and considerate to those who differed from him, and no trace of ill-feeling or bitterness ever entered his mind, and, naturally, no bitterness was ever given utterance to by him. I had the good fortune to be associated with him in many projects, and whether success or failure crowned his efforts, he was always the same kindly, courteous and considerate gentleman. He was still a member of our House at the time of his death, and I am sure we all deplore the passing of one whose every thought was directed to the well-being of the country.
As a member for the south of Ireland, I should like to associate myself with Senator Dowdall's remarks and to endorse every single word he has said. Senator Crosbie was of immense value to us in the South, and we all regret his loss, which is going to be extremely difficult and never can be replaced.
Ag cuidiú leis an rún seo, ba mhaith liom tagairt do Phroinnsias Mac Aonghusa a bhí 'na bhaill 'sa Tigh seo. Gaedheal maith a beadh é agus bhí bainnt fhada aige le troid saoirse na hEireann. Tá fhios agam gur cúis móir-bhuairte a bhás do mhnaoi agus do Gaoltaí, do muinntir na tire agus do na daoine atá 'sa Tigh seo Ba mhaith liom an méid sin do rádh mar gheall ar a bháis.
I should like to join in the expression of regret at the passing of our two Senators. Senator Crosbie was active in the House up to very recently—practically up to his death and while he and I, and he and my Party, had very little in common, one had always to feel that his courtesy and politeness and his method of handling his material in this House stamped him to be what we would all like this House to be composed of, a courteous gentleman. With regard to Senator MacGuinness, I should like to join with my colleague, Pádraic O Máille, in paying a tribute to his memory. Many members in this House knew him in the later years. Some of us knew him in the earlier years and I feel that the occasion of his death should not pass without expressing my own and my Party's sincere regrets at his passing.
I should like to join in the expressions of esteem and respect which have been made in relation to the two Senators who have left us. Senator Crosbie was a member of the old Munster circuit and on that circuit he was loved and respected. In this House, he also won the respect and admiration of every member of it. In regard to Senator MacGuinness, I am very glad that the leader of our Party has paid him a tribute in such well chosen words, and that we are recalling days when we were all united.
I wish to be associated, on behalf of the members of the Seanad who are not with the Government Party, in the tribute that has been paid to the two deceased Senators. I had considerable intimacy with both. I think that the name of Senator MacGuinness recalls memories that are precious to students of Irish history and to the many students of that period of Irish history with which he was associated. Senator Crosbie walked, perhaps, in a different groove, but he, too, contributed his share to the work of nation-building. I think the two men to whom we pay tribute to-day fully earned that tribute. I hope that the memory of their work will be an inspiration and an example to those who will have to carry on the work of the Irish nation.
I would like to be allowed to join my expression of sympathy with the bereaved relatives of both Senator Crosbie and Senator MacGuinness. It was my great privilege to be associated in earlier days with Senator MacGuinness, and in that way to become aware of his character, his history, and of his sympathies. I am sure that Ireland is the poorer for his loss. Senator Crosbie came to work amongst us here in more recent times. He, too, had been an earnest worker in the struggle for Irish nationalism. I feel that I am voicing the views of every member of the House when I rise to accentuate what has been said by the previous speakers. I have only to add that I shall ask the Clerk of the House to convey to the relatives of the deceased Senators the expression of our sincere sympathy with them. Senators will signalise their assent by standing in their places.
Senators rose in their places.