I propose a vote of sympathy on behalf of my party and, I am sure, many others to the family of former Senator Peggy Farrell of Roscommon. Mrs. Farrell was appointed to this House by the then Taoiseach, the late Jack Lynch, in 1969 and served until 1973. She was the outgoing president of the ICA and had formidable business acumen. She ran her own business in Roscommon town where she lived until she passed away.
I knew Peggy Farrell well as she was in the adjoining constituency. While she was known nationally through her work with the ICA, she was also well known locally. She was a member of the national body for small businesses. She was also well noted as an articulate spokesperson and had a sharp – in the correct sense of the term – and focused way of looking at matters and making her opinions known. She contributed to many debates in this House. I met her at a function once and think she was getting tired of being the "ICA woman". She had undoubted skills with which she wanted to be credited, as she was, both here and in business.
We have a fine record of paying tribute to former Members. To her husband, Gussy, and three children, Michael, Jan and Jill, I offer, on behalf of my party, our deepest sympathies. They will dearly miss her presence. I am sure the Lord will welcome her to His kingdom.