Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am honoured to lead tributes to the late Michael or Mickey Doherty, a former Senator and councillor who sadly passed away late last year. I express my sincere sympathy to his family who are present. He was a man of great integrity who was committed to public service. The widespread and heartfelt tributes paid to him after his death demonstrated the high regard in which he had been held across the country, especially in his home county of Longford where he was affectionately known as "The Popular". He was a man with a great sense of humour and quick wit.

An auctioneer by profession, the Ballinalee native entered local politics in 1967, serving as a county councillor for more than two decades. Mickey then enjoyed a two year spell as a Senator from 1987 to 1989 after securing election to the 18th Seanad on the Administrative Panel. Perhaps best known for his role as a special adviser to the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, he stepped down from public life in 2000 following a long and distinguished career.

A first rate public servant, Mickey was a man of great character who always made time to listen to the ideas of others. He will be remembered in County Longford for his major work in improving conditions in St. Joseph's Hospital. He was a hard working and dedicated member of the health board for many years.

It is understood Mickey coined the phrase, "Votes do not swim across the River Shannon", when describing the election transfers in the former Longford-Roscommon constituency. While I did not have the pleasure of serving with him, I note the glowing tributes of his contemporaries, the most poignant of which came from his great friend, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.

At this time we must remember those closest to Mickey, in particular, his niece, Maura Gettings, who is with us in the Chamber. I also convey my sympathy to his friend and business partner, Councillor Victor Kiernan, who was unable to attend today, and all of his family and many friends in County Longford and throughout the country. I express my deepest sympathy to his Fianna Fáil Party colleagues in the Seanad, many of whom knew him personally. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.