Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le clann agus teaghlach Peadar Clohessy. Ní raibh aithne pearsanta agam air, ach chuala mé a hainm go minic thar na blianta. Níos luaithe, nuair a chonaic mé a chlann ag teacht isteach, bhí a fhios agam go raibh an clann sin, clann Peadair agus Jean, ag croílár na hócáide seo. Chaill an clann sin athair a rinne obair anseo agus tá mise, an Taoiseach agus ceannairí eile ag déanamh ár ndícheall cúpla focal a rá faoi. Nuair a smaoiníonn an clann ar sin, tá súil agam go mbeidh siad sásta go bhfuil muid buíoch as an obair a rinne a mháthair agus a hathair thar na blianta.

I did not know Peadar Clohessy, although obviously I had heard his name through the years. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend my deepest condolences to all the family in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I saw them coming while we were debating in the Chamber, as he would have done. It reminds me that family is at the heart of this occasion and that this is a great personal loss for the family, no matter when we lose a parent. This is a serious event during which the Taoiseach has led the tributes and we have heard a senior member of the Labour Party, the leader of Fianna Fáil and me, in my own modest way, try to give some consolation to the family above and beyond politics. I express solidarity with the family. Any family with a member, particularly a parent, engaged in public service and public life makes sacrifices. Mr. Clohessy's family know that and I thank them for it. I imagine that their mother, in particular, made many sacrifices during the years. I presume, although I am not sure, we have sisters of Peadar in the Visitors Gallery, but to the extended family - Patrick, Andrew, Michael, Alice, Margaret, Sinead; the nine grandchildren and the entire family circle and friends - I extend my deepest condolences.

As we have heard, Peadar Clohessy served for decades as a local councillor and was elected to the Dáil in 1981. He was a member of Fianna Fáil and subsequently a founder member of the Progressive Democrats. Leaving politics to one side, I have always had a natural affinity with Gaels, especially when I hear about someone who loves the countryside, traditional music and so on. That is above and beyond the cut and thrust of political parties. I imagine his family feels his loss, following the loss of Jean, but I would like to think they will take great comfort from knowing that he made a positive contribution to public life and the well-being of the people of Limerick East. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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