Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gan amhras, is ócáid an-bhrónach é bás Albert Mac Raghnaill. I dtús báire, ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh lena bhean, Kathleen, agus lena chlann go léir. Is léir do chách gur ceannaire agus polaiteoir den scoth a bhí ann. Bhí tionchar faoi leith aige ar chúrsaí polaitíochta na tíre seo agus, go háirithe, saol polaitíochta an oileáin ar fad. Go pearsanta, bhí sé chairdiúil, chneasta agus ghrámhar. Bhí muintir na tíre báúil leis. Chomh maith leis sin, bhí sé foigneach le an-chuid daoine nuair a bhuail sé leo.

The sad passing of Albert Reynolds brought an end to a remarkable journey that ranged from the sweltering dance halls of Longford to the corridors of power in Leinster House and, indeed, Downing Street. His legacy across business and politics rivals that of any Irish politician of the modern era. He was a man with a mission determined to make his mark. A practical patriot, he would not allow himself to be encumbered by the hefty baggage of ideology or history in delivering real results.

The determination that marked his political career was evident in his entrepreneurial life, which also flourished. He started in the inauspicious surroundings of a tuck shop emporium in Summerhill College, through to the rental market of turf plots into the world of a newspaper proprietor, a bacon producer in the Liberties and on to huge international success with C & D Pet Foods. All the while, the dance halls in rural Ireland swelled with people drawn by the talent he attracted.

His hunger to get the deal done was forged in the cut and thrust of the business world. When he moved into politics in his 40s, that hunger drove him on. In the midst of the turbulent political world of the 1980s, Albert Reynolds marked himself out as a focused, result-driven Minister. He attacked his portfolios with verve and firmly stood up for the resources they needed to get the job done. His quick elevation to the rank of Minister for Posts and Telegraphs transformed an archaic telecommunications system into one of the best in Europe. It is hard for people today to comprehend how difficult it was simply to get a telephone throughout the 1980s. I recall him at his first Ard-Fheis making all sorts of commitments in that regard, which many people did not find credible at the time. He proved them wrong ultimately and delivered.

In transport, he drove on the creation of the DART line, which continues to serve Dublin today. In finance, he reduced income tax, underpinned the International Financial Services Centre, IFSC, and oversaw the fledgling start of the Irish economic revival. When he was elected Taoiseach in 1992, his capacity for driving home a deal came to the fore. Amidst scathing media criticism, he emerged from the pivotal Edinburgh EU summit with £8 billion in funding, having reached agreement with his European peers. These funds would prove crucial in building up the modern national infrastructure and strengthening the long-term capacity and potential of the economy. He delicately balanced the intricate demands of the divide in Northern Ireland and built a very strong relationship with Prime Minister John Major. That relationship was the anvil upon which the historic Downing Street Declaration was hammered out. The presence of a former British Prime Minister and staunch Conservative Party MP at his funeral bears testament to the touching loyalty and friendship Albert inspired and what they achieved together in 1993.

The declaration was only a means to an end in securing a peace that would enable a permanent agreement. He successfully grappled with President Clinton over securing visas to bring the IRA over the line and into a viable peace framework. The IRA ceasefire in August 1994 was a decisive moment along the road to peace on this often troubled island. The make-or-break, all-in attitude of Albert Reynolds was essential in taking the gun out of Irish politics. Ultimately, it represented the triumph of constitutional republicanism. He was a risk taker, and taking those risks certainly left a mark and made the island a better place to live.

His wife Kathleen and his seven children will sorely miss a loving husband and father. His commitment to them was unwavering and the strength of his family sustained him during the darker moments of the office. In the throes of the hurly burly of high office, he remained a strong family man and I hope and I know that they will draw comfort in the knowledge of a life well lived. Hopefully, the memories will sustain them in the months and years ahead.

Albert came a long way from a wet Tuesday night in Rooskey to go toe-to-toe across the negotiating table with some of the giants of modern politics. However, he always took great pride in his roots and remained deeply motivated to serving his people. His personal warmth, humility and immense generosity of spirit belied his major lasting achievements. He never forgot where he came from and his legacy means that we will never forget him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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