Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom mo chómhbhrón a dhéanamh le clann Pádraig Faulkner agus le Fianna Fáil. Ní raibh aithne agam ar Phádraig Faulkner. Mar a dúirt ceannaire Fhianna Fail, an Taoiseach agus an Tánaiste, bhí sé mar Teachta Dála don dáilcheantar - Lú - ar feadh tréimhse fada. Chuala mé a lán scéalta faoi. Fear uasal agus Teachta Dála iontach ab ea é, de réir mhuintir Chontae Lú, muintir na háite agus, go háirithe, pobal Dhún Dealgan.

On behalf of Sinn Féin I extend my deepest condolences to the family of former Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil Minister, Pádraig Faulkner, who died a year ago. I also extend my sympathy to Fianna Fáil, which has lost an industrious member who in a long career in politics contributed significantly and hugely to the party.

Mr. Faulkner was born in Dundalk and represented the constituency of Louth which I now have the honour of representing. He did so with great diligence for 30 years from 1957 to 1987. I never met him and did not know him, but I knew of him and it is clear from all of those who did know him or knew of his role as a Deputy, six time Minister, Ceann Comhairle and member of the Council of State that he was very highly and deservedly respected.

Mr. Faulkner was also a husband, father and grandfather and it is particularly poignant and fitting that a third generation of his family is here to listen to his achievements. To his wife Kitty, sons Tom, Bartle and Pat, daughter Mary, son-in-law Frank, grandchildren, extended family circle and his many friends I extend my deepest condolences. His death may have been a year ago but I am sure they feel his loss every single day, and his wife in particular must feel his absence. I am sure they will get some condolence and consolation and great comfort from knowing he made many positive contributions during his life to the well-being of the people of Louth and the State and, of course, to his family. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

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