Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am glad to be associated with the expressions of sympathy and tributes to Gene Fitzgerald. I am aware of the range of emotions that a family goes through when they look down on the Dáil Chamber and listen to politicians, some of whom they know and others whom they have seen on television or do not know personally, talking about somebody who was special to them. It is a strange feeling of pride and sadness at the same time. I am pleased to speak on behalf of people in Cork who may be of a different political leaning to the Fitzgerald family but who had much respect for Gene Fitzgerald.

He left politics before I entered politics — in fact, he entered politics the year I was born. I am conscious of the fact that I am from a different generation. That is not to say, however, that I did not know and hear a lot about Gene Fitzgerald. I grew up in a political family and I remember fighting elections and canvassing in areas such as Blackrock, and he was at the time — in the early 1980s — a giant of politics in Cork. We do not get too many Ministers for Finance in Cork, although we may get another one soon. He certainly made an impact on Cork politics locally, nationally and internationally over almost three decades. I can relate to his decision to go into European politics, which I am sure was not an easy one for him considering he gave priority to local politics and working with local Fianna Fáil Party networks within Cork city.

I pay tribute to Gene Fitzgerald and say to his family that even outside Fianna Fáil he was hugely respected. The Fitzgerald family is respected within Cork for their contribution and the sacrifices they have made, as a family, for political life. Those sacrifices that a family makes are often not recognised. I wish the Fitzgerald family well and offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Gene Fitzgerald.

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