The shocking news of the tragic death of the Cathaoirleach, Senator Liam Naughten, last Saturday evening stunned and saddened the entire country. For those of us who were Liam's colleagues in political life, his death is a very deep and personal loss.
I knew Liam Naughten since we were both elected to Roscommon County Council in 1974. Over all those years I regarded him as a loyal colleague and trusted friend. Liam was a sincere, genuine and caring individual. He harboured no malice towards anyone. During all the years I knew him, I never once heard him make an offensive or disparaging remark to anyone or about anyone.
Liam Naughten had all the qualities which politicians are not supposed to have. He was a man of great personal charm, but he was also a man of great integrity. He was an able, dedicated and conscientious public representative. He was immensely loyal to his country and to his party.
As a local public representative, Liam Naughten was an outstanding member of Roscommon County Council, its various subsidiary bodies and the Western Health Board. He served with great distinction both as chairman of the county council and as chairman of the health board.
In 1981 Liam Naughten and I were both elected to Seanad Éireann. Since then, Liam served continuously at national level either as a Member of the Dáil or as a Member of this House. In 1989 Liam became Leas-Chathaoirleach and last year, following the very sad and untimely death of his close friend and fellow south Roscommon native, the late Seán Fallon, Liam was unanimously elected Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. As Cathaoirleach, he carried out his duties in this House with absolute impartiality and in a most efficient and dignified manner.
In his role as Cathaoirleach Liam was also a great ambassador for Seanad Éireann and for his country. He was very highly regarded at international level and, in my capacity as Leas-Chathaoirleach, I have received a great number of messages of condolence from Speaker colleagues of his in other Parliaments.
The death of Liam Naughten will be felt very deeply and personally by his very many political friends and colleagues. It will be felt by his own people of south Roscommon whom he represented so well over so many years and by his colleagues in the Fine Gael Party, which he served so loyally and with such great dedication. To all those, I offer my very sincere sympathy.
Most of all, Liam's loss will be felt by his wife, Mary, and his young family who are such a credit to him. Liam was a great family man and our hearts go out today in a very special way to Mary, his six sons and two daughters and to his brother and sister. I sincerely hope that the pride which they can justly feel in Liam's many achievements over his short lifetime will be some consolation to them at this very sad time.
Fíor Éireannach be ea Liam Ó Neachtáin. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.