Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party, I wish to pay tribute to the long legacy of Gene Fitzgerald. Mr. Fitzgerald had left national politics and even the European stage by the time of my entry into the former arena. Unlike others present, therefore, I did not know him personally. However, I am well aware of his legacy.

I spoke to those who did know Gene Fitzgerald and several themes continually came to the fore. I refer here to his passion for the GAA, his heartfelt republican roots, his pride in all things Cork but mostly his pleasant demeanour. As previous speakers stated, his phenomenal electoral record allowed his political career to span three decades. During this time, while he progressed from Deputy to the holder of various ministerial portfolios and eventually became an MEP, he never forgot his home turf. If is fair to say that those who live there never forgot him. His eight election victories on the trot, from a by-election in 1972 through to his second European election in 1999, stand as a testimony to this. As a first-time Deputy, I can only marvel at his achievement.

Gene Fitzgerald's elevation under Jack Lynch and subsequent rise under Charles Haughey saw him eventually reach the position of Minister for Finance, albeit for a short time during a period of great financial anxiety for this country. After two terms in Brussels representing the then constituency of Munster as an MEP, he took the advice he had advocated as Minister for Labour by taking early retirement to spend more time with family and friends. He did not, however, remove himself entirely from the political scene. I have no doubt that his electoral and general experience and vast grass roots knowledge — which he was able to continue to provide in his position as honorary secretary — were of much assistance to his party in the Cork area.

I wish to extend my condolences and those of my colleagues in the Green Party to his wife, Noreen, and his children, Aileen, Áine, Aindrias, Niamh and Eimear.

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