Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am speaking on behalf of the Technical Group and the Independents.

Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a ghabháil le muintir Lenihan, a bhean chéile Patricia, a pháistí Tom agus Clare, agus the Lenihan family go léir. The huge turnout of Brian Lenihan's constituents since last Friday was a true testament to the man who served them for so long. Brian was a man of immense talent and had a magnificent ability to deal with any situation, no matter what presented itself at any given hour. He was a man of enormous intellect. Brian had an innate sense of decency and was totally committed to public service, which he always saw as his first duty. He was a true patriot. With his love of country and family and his commitment to his party, he was able to transcend all political views and ideologies. Service to his constituents was his first dedication. He, as a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, was truly honoured to be the first person independent of Fine Gael to be asked to speak at Béal na mBláth. What a job he did on that occasion.

He excelled as a Deputy, Minister of State with responsibility for children, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and, latterly, Minister for Finance. During the last Dáil, he was available at all times to meet colleagues, of any party or group, at any time of the day or night.

The tributes paid to Mr. Lenihan, including those by Commissioner Olli Rehn, Christine Lagarde and many other foreign politicians and dignitaries, demonstrate clearly that Brian was an astute politician who understood totally the gravity of the circumstances in which Ireland has found itself, and who wanted at all costs to deal tenaciously and honestly with the financial crisis for the sake of the people of all of Europe, but primarily the people of Éire.

Unyielding determination to continue in the Ministry for Finance during a debilitating illness displayed the true Brian Lenihan, a man of courage and bravery with an interest in his country. Brian was a shining beacon that illuminated the sky and gave inspiration and hope to all of us in this House and to his family, party and community. During many an animated debate that backbenchers and I had with him during the tough 18 months of his illness, Brian never showed any bitterness. On the morning on which he was leaving Baldonnel to go to serious discussions with the IMF and the European Union, which discussions history will judge, he phoned me because my mother was being laid to rest. He found the time in his schedule, as he did for everyone, to phone me to apologise for his absence at her burial. This meant an awful lot to me. That was the true style of Brian and that is why he meant so much to so many.

The biggest loss will be to Brian's family. I thank the parish priest for his lovely ceremony yesterday and all the people who attended. A wonderful eulogy was delivered by Brian's colleague, the former Attorney General. We can reflect on that and on thoughts of Brian. We will have many a happy discussion about him in the future. Again, I extend my sympathy to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam dílis Brian Ó Luineacháin.

See this speech in context