Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I join the Taoiseach, the leader of Fine Gael and the leader of the Labour Party in expressing my sympathy and that of the Progressive Democrats to the family of the late Ruairí Brugha. I had the pleasure of serving in the Seanad for four years, between 1977 and 1981, with Ruairí Brugha and that was when I got to know him.

As others have said, he was a real gentleman. He had an enormous intellect and was a gentle and modest person. Although he came from a famous family involved in the struggle for independence in this country, he devoted his entire life to peace and reconciliation. As Deputy Rabbitte noted, he had a moderate approach to Northern Ireland issues. He was very encouraging to young people then at a time when I was younger. It was good to see in recent years that he still maintained a significant interest in public affairs despite his age, spending a considerable amount of time both in the Oireachtas Library and elsewhere. He remained extraordinarily active.

He was not just involved in politics but in general public affairs. He was married to Máire MacSwiney and they clearly had much in common. Her published autobiography discussed their shared life together, as was noted by the Taoiseach. He clearly felt proud of that. I regret that I was not able to attend his funeral mass, as he gave me huge encouragement.

I express my sympathy to his wife, Máire, his sons, Cathal, Terry and Ruairí, his sister, Neasa, and his daughter, Deirdre. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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