Since our last meeting, the members of the House will have learned with deep regret of the unexpected death of our friend and colleague, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Baxter. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
From his early manhood, the late Senator was prominently identified with the national movement. He was associated with all Gaelic activities in his area, he acted as treasurer of the Sinn Féin West Cavan Executive, 1917-21, and was a member of the Dáil Éireann Courts West Cavan Executive. For his national activities he suffered terms of imprisonment in various jails during the years 1919-21. In 1923 he was elected to Dáil Éireann and was a member of that House until 1927. In 1927 he was Leader of the Farmers' Party in the Dáil. He was a member of Seanad Éireann from 1931 to 1936. On the re-establishment of the Seanad in 1938 he was elected on the Agricultural Panel and from that date had unbroken service in this House until his untimely death.
In 1954 he was appointed Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and continued in that office until 1957 when he became Leas-Chathaoirleach. In his capacity as Presiding Officer, he was fair—even indulgent—but he could be firm also. His firmness and sense of humour helped him to carry out his duties to the satisfaction of the House.
Senator Baxter was a man of outstanding personality and a true friend. Of a courteous and kindly disposition, he was a popular figure amongst all sections. He was a forthright speaker with firm and strong political views but no matter how vigorously he expressed these views he never gave personal offence and never allowed his politics to mar his personal relationships. He had an independent mind and was therefore excellent in council. His Sinn Féin and Irish Ireland activities had widened his intellectual interests. He added wide reading and careful study to a practical experience of farming and of local and national affairs.
While the late Senator's interests were many and varied, agriculture and the economic advancement of the farming community were his main concern. As a farmer who had equipped himself with up-to-date knowledge of sound agricultural methods, Senator Baxter's contributions to the discussions on agriculture were always listened to with interest and respect. He was a member of the Executive of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society by whom he was nominated to the Seanad, a director of Irish Associated Creameries and he was one of the first directors appointed to the Agricultural Credit Corporation. For many years he was a member of the Cavan Agricultural and Vocational Education Committees. He also rendered valuable service as a member of the Gaeltacht Commission, 1925, the De-Rating Commission, 1929 and the Commission on Agriculture, 1938.
In Senator Baxter we have lost a public man whose work and integrity were appreciated by all with whom he came in contact and his passing will be keenly felt by all of us.
To the widow and relatives of the late Senator, I shall convey on your behalf, and on my own, our sympathy and appreciation.
Senators rose in their places.