Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party I extend my sympathy to Deputy Eamon Gilmore, Deputy Seán Sherlock and the Labour Party on the death of Joe Sherlock. A proud Cork man, Joe was a long-serving Member of the House. He was born in Kildorrery in north Cork seven decades ago. From a young age he showed great commitment to the people of north Cork and to improving the lives of those in the community who were less well off. He had a long career, almost 20 years, in the sugar factory in Mallow and his experience there helped him to understand the difficulties of working people and their need to be represented at local level.

His election to Mallow Urban District Council 40 years ago marked the beginning of a successful political career that spanned more than four decades. In 1974, in recognition of the work he undertook, he was elected to and was honoured to serve on Cork County Council. He was first elected to this House in 1981. He lost his seat in 1982, regained it in 1987, retained it in 1989, and lost it again in 1992. He was elected to the Seanad on the labour panel and in the 2002 election he was again elected a Deputy.

Joe was always passionate about politics and used the Order of Business here, right up to the summer, to raise issues. If I answered him once on the issue of the rents Bill I answered him a thousand times as he kept returning to the issue. He knew what my answer would be but he believed the issue should be dealt with in a different way and continued to put his view forward.

My dealings with Joe Sherlock go back a long time. I was a Government Whip when he was elected to this House, leading his parliamentary party. When its membership increased from one to three he continued doing the work of Whip and leader. He was very straight and honest in terms of how matters stood in relation to voting. I remember one occasion when I was Whip and his party decided not to support the Government, but he always made it clear to me when that was to happen. I still remember the circumstances very well.

Joe Sherlock was a committed public representative whose dedication and loyalty to the people of Mallow and Cork will be sadly missed. I join with Deputy Gilmore and Members of the House in extending our sympathy to Ellen, Joseph, Seán, Úna and Joe's colleagues and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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