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

On my behalf and on behalf of my party, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to the family, community and political colleagues of Jo Cox, MP. The murder of a public representative in a democracy is, thankfully, a very rare and shocking event. It is extremely important that we condemn what has happened, but also reflect on it. Quite clearly, the British Labour Party has lost a rising star, a person who was passionate and independent in mind and spirit, who, through her short life, made an extraordinary contribution before she entered politics through international affairs and through Oxfam. She had a deep, passionate commitment to the refugee crisis and the situation in Syria and was a significant critic of the UK's foreign policy and successive British governments' handling of that issue.

I read an article by John Bew in the New Statesmanabout Jo Cox's political contribution and what an extraordinary individual she was. The article is headed "Jo Cox might be the best foreign secretary Britain never had." That description spoke to her internationalist approach but also her deep passion about international affairs. Bew says, "She was one of those rare people with a deep moral integrity but no interest in grandstanding or moralising herself."

In an era when politics can be debased and there is much dissolution about politics, it is very clear that, in the person of Jo Cox, politics gained somebody who was motivated by the very best interests of public good and community. In many respects, she stood in stark contrast to some of the stereotyping of politicians that can go on in the modern world. It is extremely important that we do not stigmatise politicians. In many ways, politicians are overly stigmatised as a group and that can heighten extreme rhetoric which can lead to the most horrific consequences. Our sympathies are with her husband, Brendan, her family and her wider community on an enormous loss.

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