Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I wish to offer my sincere sympathies and those of the Labour Party to Gene Fitzgerald's family — his wife, Noreen, and his son and daughters. I did not have an opportunity to know him while he was a Member of the House. However, I met him on a number of occasions after my election and he was kind enough to wish me well.

As the Taoiseach stated, there was a relationship between the Labour Party and Fianna Fáil in Cork. This was probably due to the fact that in those days elections were so frequent — at times it seemed that they were happening on a continual basis — that politicians almost lived in each other's pockets. Gene Fitzgerald was extremely kind to me, as a new Deputy, and offered his advice.

Gene Fitzgerald served Cork, the country and Fianna Fáil with distinction. He served as Minister for Labour at a time when an enormous number of strikes were taking place in bodies such as the ESB. He was involved in the genesis of the concept of national understandings, which subsequently led to the development of the social partnership model that has proved so successful.

Gene Fitzgerald served as Minister for Finance under Charles Haughey. Having been raised, as it were, with Jack Lynch and the GAA and Fianna Fáil traditions in Cork, it must have been quite an interesting experience for him to serve as chief financial lieutenant to Mr. Haughey, who was a tough task master. Gene was, however, able to fill the position. Having served under Jack Lynch — whom people, regardless of their party affiliations, recognise as having possessed a special kind of magic — it is quite a tribute to Gene that he went on to serve with distinction under Mr. Haughey and in the European Parliament.

It is nice to see Gene's family gathered here today. When one serves as a Member of the Houses, one loses out on spending time with one's family and friends. In general elections, and depending on the circumstances, either 165 or 166 people are chosen by their fellow citizens to serve in the Dáil. It is great that his family is present to recall the distinction and integrity with which he served politics in Ireland. It is also great to see the younger generation of the Fitzgerald family present to recall and celebrate the contribution he made.

I offer my condolences and those of the Labour Party to Gene's family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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