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

Táimid bailithe anseo inniu chun ár n-ómós agus ár meas dár gcara dílis, John Carty, a chur in iúl. Fear lách, cineálta agus gnóthach ab ea John. D'oibrigh sé go dian dícheallach, Domhnach is dálach, ar son mhuintir Mhaigh Eo agus ar son mhuintir na tíre. Bhí muinín aige as a mhuintir. Bhí siad compórdach leis agus muinín acu as chomh maith. Bhí suim faoi leith aige i gcúrsaí talmhaíochta agus, gan amhras, i nithe a bhain le forbairt na tuaithe. Bhain sé taitneamh as a saol polaitíochta. Duine nádúrtha agus an-chairdiúil ab ea é.

Today is a bittersweet moment for the family of the late John Carty. It is a time to mark the passing of a beloved family man and to remember his life's work and legacy and, in particular, his contribution to parliamentary democracy. His family will have special, intimate memories of John to cherish. I hope that today we can show some sense of the deep affection in which he was held by the public and by the Members of this House.

On behalf of my party and on my own behalf, I acknowledge the presence of John's family and again express our sincere sympathies to his wife, Kathleen, his children, Lisa, Ciara, James, Cathal, John Henry, Eamonn, Caoimhín and Iarla, his brother, Michael, and sisters, Anne and Joan.

It is only right and proper that we take some time today, in the people's Chamber, to pay our respect to a man of the people. John Carty embodied the best of a local representative. He was steeped in his community. His warm personal approach stretched across his constituency. He always had time for a chat, a cup of tea and a kind word, and always had a listening ear for people's problems. He knew his home and its people intimately. He had a keen eye for family detail that reached back deep into local history. His approach to politics was one of empathy, understanding and patience. It was the mark of the man.

We cannot talk about John Carty without talking of his beloved home county. John was a true son of Mayo, loyal to a fault. He carried the torch for the Fianna Fáil Party in Mayo across all levels of the organisation in countless campaigns over the decades. He believed in public service and lived that out at grassroots level with the party with which he threw in his lot.

On these benches, we can take pride in the work and effort of decent men and women like John Carty who believed in politics as a way to better one's community and to make a fundamental difference to the quality of life of others. I am proud that he chose Fianna Fáil as the vehicle through which he could strive to improve his community, his county and his country.

When he topped the poll for election to Mayo County Council in 1999, his hard work on the ground and genuine warmth was rightly rewarded. With his warm personality he built up a strong reputation, and when called upon to contest the general election, he answered proudly. His endeavour on behalf of his local constituents in Mayo earned him a hard-won place as a Government representative for the county in 2002.

Over five years, he fought the corner for his county. His background in agriculture helped to shape his work. As a younger man he crisscrossed the island as a agriculture officer and brought this wealth of experience to bear in the Oireachtas. He worked assiduously all the while for his electorate. Among his proudest achievements was the continued investment in Knock Airport. Following in the footsteps of his old friend, the late P.J. Morley, he defended and fought for the airport as the west's link to the world. In his own words, "The jewel in the crown in Mayo is Knock Airport." His work there will always be remembered with every flight to and from the fields of Barnacuige.

Here in this House he will be remembered with great affection. He had a quick wit and was a lively and enjoyable storyteller who always had a glint in his eye when we were talking about another colleague. He always had time for a chat and was a solid and welcome companion to all Members. He continued that tradition in the Upper House after 2007. His career encompassed countless cups of tea, and maybe something else now and again, endless conversations and long cumann meetings into the dark of night, all heartfelt and genuine.

His work and effort will endure. The empathy of the man, his deep grá for where he came from and a connection deep in his marrow are things we should never lose in Irish politics. He was a true gentleman who brought an abiding sense of humanity to our politics. Mayo has lost a loyal and faithful servant, and his family a beloved husband, brother and father. I trust they can take comfort in a life of service and commitment to something greater. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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