Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Dáil Technical Group and Independent Deputies, let me say that the death of Mr. John Carty was a terrible loss, particularly to his family but also around the Dáil, and to his friends and his constituents in Mayo. For his wife, Kathleen, his daughters, Lisa and Ciara, his sons James, Cathal, John Henry, Eamonn, Caoimhín and Iarla, and siblings, Michael, Joan and Anne, it was such a sad blow to lose such a wonderful and loving husband, father and brother. Although John was involved in public life, his family have to come first. That sense of loss and sadness is very difficult for all of them. It is worth knowing that we are, across the political spectrum in the Dáil, thinking of them because we all liked John. That is a constant message that his family will hear today.

Deputy Martin said at the time of Mr. Carty's death that he was one of life's true gentlemen, and that is the way everybody in this House felt about John Carty. He was one of life's true gentlemen. I totally agree with the sentiment as he was admired, loved and respected around this House. It is important for his family to know that, as he would have been so busy running around the constituency and this Dáil. He was liked, loved and respected by all colleagues in this House. John was a man of great compassion who fought hard for his Mayo community. He was a diligent public representative. He died so young, as he had a lot more to give in this life.

Mr. Carty served on Mayo County Council between 1999 and 2002, and I was a member of Dublin City Council in 1999. He was elected to the Dáil in 2002, when I was first elected to this House. He later served in the Seanad. Around this House, I liked John's warmth, his sense of humour and his great generosity. He was particularly loyal to agriculture and small business communities, especially in Mayo and the west. He was their voice in the Dáil but he was always open to other issues as well that were pushed by other Deputies in the House. He was great fun and he used to have great craic winding up many Independent Deputies. We would get a great laugh from that. We loved it and John enjoyed it as well.

He will be missed deeply. To Kathleen and the Carty family, on behalf of Independent Deputies in the Dáil Technical Group I convey our sincerest sympathy and best wishes. I hope they will learn to deal with the terrible and sad loss of John.

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