Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Taoiseach I would like to convey my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the late former Deputy and Senator, John Carty. He was a good friend of mine who passed away last January. He was a family man, and along with Kathleen, and despite the demands of political life he always made time for his priority which was his family, his eight children, James, Lisa, Cathal, John Henry, Eamonn, Caoimhín, Iarla and Ciara.

John was always a popular personality and public representative in his famous home of Knock, the larger town of Claremorris and across County Mayo. In public life as a councillor, Deputy and Senator he served the people of his county and his locality with conviction, commitment and dedication. He never turned anybody away from his door and always listened to the stories and cases brought before him, irrespective of from where they came. His brother Michael followed him into politics and served on Mayo County Council.

John Carty was a dedicated public servant. He had his priorities right. He got to know farmers and the farming community as an official of the Department of Agriculture for many years. He had a great passion for the agri sector. Through his work in Seanad Éireann, in particular, he made an enormous contribution to the agriculture panel. He liked to speak about a subject he knew so well. In that regard, he gained great respect from all in the agriculture sector.

I commiserate with Deputy Martin's party on the loss to Fianna Fáil. It has a proud tradition of public service, including that of John Carty. While we may not be of the same party, we recognise a common willingness to serve the public is at the core of all politics, and he exemplified that during his time here. On many occasions when I spoke to him in the environs of this House he commented, as Deputy Martin pointed out, on the circumstances which applied within the party, other personalities or aspiring personalities, and his view, in no uncertain language, on them.

He was well known and well respected as the promoter and owner of a long-standing business in Knock. I was very glad and privileged that I had the opportunity to attend the removal in his house after his death. It is all to easy to use an old cliché, but John Carty was one of nature's gentlemen. He is missed by all those who knew him. I can see his face and hear his voice. I remember his ways of making the case for something that was of interest to him. We all miss him.

I can quite truthfully say to Kathleen and his family that he was a man who had his priorities right, namely, family first and everybody else after that. Aontaím leis an Teachta. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Cara mór dom féin a bhí ann le blianta fada.

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