Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the wife, family and friends of the late Tomás MacGiolla. We served together in this House for a number of years and he often spoke of his time spent in the Curragh. I often wondered if that was where he picked up his interest in horses - maybe not. No one could deny that he was a man of very deep conviction and great principle. Deputy Gilmore referred to his wit. That was one aspect of Tomás MacGiolla that I really enjoyed. I very much admired his lovely wit, which was very much exemplified in this House shortly after the Workers' Party split. Tomás MacGiolla left this House one week in February 1992 as member of the Workers' Party, which then had seven Deputies in the House. The following week he arrived back with just himself. Deputies De Rossa, Sherlock, McCartan, Byrne, Rabbitte and Gilmore had departed. One of the first issues to arise in the Dáil following that split was raised by Deputy De Rossa:

The proposal in relation to Standing Orders attempts to deal with the anomalies which have arisen because of the resignation of both myself and my colleagues from The Workers' Party, thereby reducing The Workers' Party to one Deputy in this House. Clearly, I accept that one Deputy should not have the same full rights as a group in this House.

In the same debate then Deputy Tomás MacGiolla, replied:

Despite the best expert advice, we cannot find seven. I beg your indulgence, Sir, as I would like on behalf of The Workers' Party Dáil group to express my great appreciation and thanks to myself for the great support that I have given to myself during the past few trying days. I want to assure you, a Cheann Comhairle, that there is now full unanimity and concern and that there will be no further splits in The Workers' Party.

Politics needs characters like Tomás MacGiolla and I want to thank him for the tremendous contribution he made to public life over a long number of years. I hope that today he is resting in a happier place.

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