Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael Party I offer sympathy and commiseration to Fianna Fáil on the loss of one of its stalwarts. To Noreen Fitzgerald, her children and family, as well as the extended family, I express our deepest sympathy on the loss of Gene, a husband, father, politician and friend.

He had a most distinctive voice, hoarse and rasping. One would certainly know when he was around because one would probably hear the voice coming along the corridors. I came in here three years after Gene Fitzgerald in the mid-1970s, although it seems like centuries ago.

I recall in particular his involvement in Private Members' debates. Whether in Government or Opposition, he had a habit of coming in here in the evening. Depending on the side Fianna Fáil was on, he would either sit on the steps beside me or those opposite. He was ably assisted by another veteran, Mark Killilea. If people on the backbenches here, in Fianna Fáil or any other party were to get awards from the media for heckling qualities, they would have had to face down Gene Fitzgerald and Mark Killilea. There was no issue, motion or political item that these two were not locked into and on which they could not give forth with gusto — and did in this House — in defending Fianna Fáil's position or attempting to make hay while people were speaking.

I regarded Noreen Fitzgerald's husband as a thoroughly decent family man and as somebody one would be proud to be associated with. He did his duty for his constituents in Cork and was a quintessential GAA man. I would say the old State car, in the days they were not scrutinised as heavily as they are now, was certainly filled with good GAA supporters, who may have been Fianna Fáil supporters at the same time, heading to matches all over Munster. It was always a privilege to get a lift to the match in the old black car long before the emissions rules of the Minister, Deputy John Gormley, began to take effect.

He served here for 15 years in three ministries: public service, labour and finance. He also served twice in the European Parliament and was always somebody who was exceptionally approachable, affable and would give whatever information was possible.

I do not know if I told Noreen Fitzgerald the following story. In 1982, the late John Callanan passed away in Galway and a by-election was held, from which Deputy Noel Treacy was elected. I was given the doubtful privilege of looking after the Tuam area for our party. This was shared by John Donlon, who was certainly not behind the fence when speaking. We had arrangements to speak at Cortoon church outside Dunmore on a beautiful summer morning.

When I arrived at the church the State car was backed up against the gate. The speaker for our party was none other than that brilliant academic and constitutional lawyer, a most colourful man, the late John Kelly. He loved Gene Fitzgerald and that sort of characteristic and personality. There were 60 at mass and with Fianna Fáil in Government, Gene Fitzgerald spoke first.

He rasped on about labour rates and days, man hours and industrial strikes etc. People took note of it. The late John Kelly then paid him a tribute because, as the Taoiseach will recall, it was a difficult time in Irish politics. John Kelly stated that Gene Fitzgerald was one of the nicest people in the Fianna Fáil party. He said "Of course, he does not have much opposition for that title". He proceeded to say: "What did they promise you? That the sun would shine and so it does. That the birds would sing on the trees and so they do. And every economic indicator points to zero." When he finished his contribution, Gene Fitzgerald approached me and said "God, wasn't he great?".

To Gene's wife, Noreen, I wish to express the sympathy of the Fine Gael Party. Guím rath Dé ar Gene agus guím go mbeidh sé ar dheis lámh Dé go síoraí. He was a gentleman. During the time I knew him in these Houses, he was courteous, approachable and affable. I am glad to have known him.

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