Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I would like to be associated with the words of sympathy extended to the family of the late Eileen Desmond who served as Minister for Health during my early days in this House. Although I knew her, I did not know her very well. Not only did she have fine qualities as a politician and a Minister but she was also a lovely person who was easy to befriend.

I remember the night mentioned by Deputy Kenny. As a Member of the Seanad at the time, I followed the debate from the gallery. It was clear on that occasion, when Eileen Desmond engendered such a notable reaction from many men in the House, that she was quite a formidable woman. That is further borne out when one considers that her success in a by-election in 1965 led to a general election later that year.

When one reflects on this country as it was 40 years ago, one can imagine how difficult it must have been for a woman and a mother to be a Member of this House. It must have been particularly tough for somebody who was a widow and represented a constituency as far away as Cork. It must have been incredibly difficult for her.

It is always a nice tribute to somebody to say that their daughters were their best friends. The experiences one has growing up mean that it can be hard to be one's parents' best friend. It is rare for a mother to have such a close relationship with her two daughters. That Eileen Desmond enjoyed such a friendship with her daughters speaks volumes for the kind of person she was. I extend my sympathies to her daughters, Paula and Honor, and the Labour Party.

Eileen Desmond who was first elected to this House in 1965 was a great role model for women in politics at a time when there were not many women in Leinster House. There were not many women in Leinster House from 1977 until the early 1980s when I served in the Seanad. Eileen became a Senator when she lost her seat in the Dáil, rather than giving up, and subsequently served in the European Parliament. She was the first female Minister for Health — I hope I will not be the last. I hope I can share many of the fine things Eileen Desmond brought to that portfolio such as a sense of justice and fairness. As she was Minister for Health and Minister for Social Welfare at the same time, she was in charge of two extraordinarily big Departments which must have been incredibly difficult. May she rest in peace.

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