John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Unlike previous speakers I did not know John Wilson. Nevertheless, on my behalf and on behalf of the Green Party I express sympathy to his family and to the Fianna Fáil Party. John Wilson was a man of many talents. He was a linguist, a classical scholar, an able politician, a tireless worker, an actor, a republican and a teacher. Of course, he will be remembered most in Cavan for the fact that he played in the memorable All-Ireland final in the Polo Grounds in New York. To be part of that event alone gives him legendary status in his own county. John Wilson had many strings to his bow. His academic pursuits brought him to Maynooth and Galway before completing his studies in London. His teaching career brought him to several schools and universities throughout the country, including my constituency. His teaching career was the catalyst for his involvement in national politics through his presidency of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland. He was a founder member and chairman of the national committee of the European Association of Teachers.

His involvement with Fianna Fáil was a successful one. He was successful electorally, regularly topping the poll in Cavan-Monaghan. While he went on to hold Government positions, he never lost sight of his duty to his constituents. This was despite the fact that he sat on his party's Front Bench for the duration of his time in the Dáil, a significant achievement. His wide-ranging ministerial appointments demonstrate his capacity. His contribution to his country through holding six ministerial portfolios and the position of Tánaiste cannot be underestimated.

He continued to make a significant contribution to Irish society upon leaving this House by becoming involved with the Irish delegation in talks with the British Government on the future of Northern Ireland in the early 1990s. The Taoiseach has referred to the fact that, as chairman of the Victims Commission, he liaised with members of the provisional IRA to assist in finding the bodies of the disappeared.

For all these reasons, it can be said he led a full life. If those of us present lead lives half as full we will have made a major contribution to society. My sympathies and those of the Green Party go to his wife, Ita, his daughters, Siobhán, Lucy, Claire and Maria, and his son, John. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

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