Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I convey my sincere condolences and those of my Fianna Fáil colleagues to Seán Keegan's wife Mary and his children, Marie, Nan, Nuala, Tom and Gearóid on the sad loss of our former colleague and a loyal servant of the people of Westmeath. Seán was a stalwart of our party, on the county council, in the Seanad and here in the Dáil. He was a committed republican and a politician who took great pride in representing the people of Westmeath here in our National Parliament.

As many of his friends in this House will know, Seán came from a patriotic family with a strong background in public service. Seán's father had been active in the War of Independence and Seán himself developed a strong association with many of the founders of the Fianna Fáil party, who had a prominent role in the quest for national self-determination. In his political life Seán was first elected to Westmeath County Council in 1955 at a time when Eamon de Valera still led Fianna Fáil. In 1965, Seán contested his first general election at the behest of Seán Lemass. Seán and I both entered the Dáil on the same day in 1977. By that stage, Seán was however a veteran of our parliamentary party having been elected to the Seanad in a by-election in 1970.

I remember Seán in this period as a person who was unfailingly courteous and helpful to new Members of the Oireachtas. He was always anxious to speak at our parliamentary party meetings. He always had a contribution to make about issues and particularly issues to do with rural Ireland and the midlands. Throughout our shared time in Leinster House, Seán was a dedicated, hardworking and patriotic Deputy. He viewed it as a privilege to represent the people of his constituency of Longford-Westmeath. As a Deputy, he gave tangible effect to his patriotism by working diligently to improve the quality of life in his community and more importantly for less well off people in his community. He was very honoured to say that he strongly supported them.

In his time, Seán gave committed service to Fianna Fáil, which we remember today on this side of the House, to people of all persuasions in Westmeath and to the country. He will be sadly missed by his wife Mary, his five children, his wider family and friends. I met Seán during the course of the general election campaign this year. Even though his health was declining he was very anxious to be out and about in support of the democratic process. From this side of the House we will remember him as a loyal and faithful servant who served in both Houses of the Oireachtas, who served at local government level, and who was a diligent and active person about politics throughout the country but particularly in his native constituency. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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