Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

Today Ireland has lost a great patriot. I was deeply saddened this morning when I heard on "Morning Ireland" that the former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret FitzGerald, had passed away. I extend my sympathy and that of Deputy Eoghan Murphy, who is away on Government business today, to his family and friends. Like many of the previous speakers, we practised our trade in the shadow of a great politician and a great leader.

His legacy lives on this week in the Queen's first state visit to Ireland. It is a potent reminder of Garret's political courage in the Sunningdale and Anglo Irish Agreements and it is probably apt that he is remembered to today. He was always willing to engage in debate and he had a profound interest in the affairs of our country. He campaigned in European referendums and often led the debate domestically in his The Irish Times column.

Like many, I was amazed to see him in February tallying the votes following the general election, which he enjoyed doing. He said to me that he would not miss it for the world. Having tallied the votes, he told me at an early stage that he would be calling me "Deputy" the next time he saw me. That was very important. On the first sitting day of the 31st Dáil, he was on RTE imparting his knowledge and in conversation with Mr. Dick Spring on "Today with Pat Kenny". One could see how enlivened he was by the democratic institutions.

Today we have lost a great patriot. The people of Dublin South-East will greatly miss him and will be deeply saddened. We should also mention the late Mr. Joe Doyle who was a great friend and colleague during the many years he represented the area. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak and I hope his family will be encouraged and heartened by the sentiments expressed today.

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