Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am also honoured to be able to rise to pay tribute to a fellow county person and Deputy who served here. P. J. Morley was also a member of the local authority on which I served. I express my sympathies to his wife, Mary, and his family on their loss. I acknowledge also the attendance of former Deputy John Carty, who succeeded him in the House, and former Deputy Sean Calleary. I did not know P. J. personally, but knew him from election posters, the newspapers and through the local Fine Gael gang who served on Mayo County Council, particularly my mentor, the former Senator and councillor Ernie Caffrey.

I have heard a great deal about P. J. from his colleagues who served with him on the local authority and the Western Health Board and in Leinster House. Truthfully, I have heard only good about him. He had a long and successful political career, beginning with election to the local authority in the early 1960s and, by all accounts, was an excellent chairman of both Mayo County Council and the Western Health Board. I understand he did not have the weakness to which many politicians are subject, as he never felt he had to speak unless he had something real to say. When he did speak, he demonstrated his sharp mind by getting straight to the point and being very decisive. He was a great supporter of Knock Airport. I have no doubt that when Monsignor James Horan came up with the idea of Knock Airport, he knew he needed political backing to realise the great dream and the success it has come to be. He had a great ally in P. J. Morley. I am glad to be associated with the fine tributes in the House to his life, his legacy and the service he gave to his county and his country throughout his political career. May his soul rest in peace.

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