John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Billy Kenneally. As with Deputy Gilmore, I did not know Billy Kenneally personally but several years ago I when I was in opposition I was on holidays in France, of all places, and I woke up one morning to discover that my next door neighbour was Deputy Brendan Kenneally. We were there for two weeks beside each other. During that period we swapped many stories and I believe I became familiar with the politics of Waterford city during that time. It was a great privilege to find out about how political families work. I do not come from a political family but I am aware these dynasties exist on both sides of the House, whether in the case of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and in some cases, the Labour Party.

Since 1942 the Kenneally family has served Waterford city with great distinction. Billy Kenneally continued the proud tradition of service of his father, William senior, established in Waterford City Council, by following in his footsteps in 1960. Billy went on to become the mayor of his city twice during his time on the council, a position whose duties he carried out with great pride. As has been outlined already, Billy represented Waterford in these Houses, entering for the first time in 1965. His electoral success would be the envy of many currently sitting in the House because he was returned for four consecutive terms over the course of 17 years. He completed his time in Leinster House with a term in the Seanad after his last election in 1982. From speaking to Deputy Kenneally, I am aware of Billy's great pride and that of his family when he followed Brendan's success in the 1989 election and regained the seat that he held for so long. I imagine Billy was a source of inspiration and wisdom for Brendan in those early years and, in turn, Billy must have taken great pride in his son's success at that election. I extend my sympathies and those of my party to his wife, Maureen, and sons Brendan, Donal, Kevin, Patrick and Martin and the rest of the extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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