Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the rural independent group, I want to express our sincerest sympathies to Jo Cox's husband, Brendan, her extended family and her party. This is a grotesque attack on democracy. That a respectable elected parliamentarian who was going about her business in a respectful and respectable fashion and was gunned down in this type of horror attack is an absolute attack on the democracy that we all hold so dear. Every one of one us is outraged.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating the signing of the book of condolences in the House. The decision was very thoughtful, proper, right and dignified. When I signed my name this morning, I looked at the picture and could see the brightness in her eyes and her appreciation of life.

One could see she was full of energy and determination. It was an outrageous attack on democracy that a young life like that - a young mother, a daughter, a wife - could be taken from her family, community and the people she represented.

There is a lesson to be learned. I say this in particular to the ladies that are elected to this House. There is one thing I have spotted over a period and it is about time it was put to bed once and for all. Nobody in this House, male or female, should be subjected to vile abuse. That is happening increasingly and it is growing legs. We can all have our political differences. I can object and have a political argument with a man or woman in this House about any issue. I do not care who one is or where one comes from, but under no circumstances should anybody be subjected to vile abuse.

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