Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Labour Party, I express sincere sympathy to the family of Paddy Lalor on his recent passing and to members of the Fianna Fáil Party on their sad loss. Being a fellow midlander from a neighbouring constituency, I knew Paddy well. He had a relative living near Mullingar who belonged to a different party - he soldiered with me - and Paddy and I used to a joke about it. Paddy was a wily and dedicated public representative for people in Laoighis-Offaly whom he represented with great distinction for more than 33 years, which is a fantastic feat in such a competitive constituency.

Paddy Lalor was always grounded and maintained close contact with his roots. As Deputy Micheál Martin stated, he was involved in many voluntary and community organisations. He was steeped in the GAA and, as Deputy Martin also pointed out, he was no mean hurler. As I often said, Paddy was well able to take care of himself and when he gave a hit, his opponent felt it. He also had tremendous skill and technique and represented his native county for a long number of years. He later became deeply involved in the administrative side of the GAA.

Paddy held a number of important ministerial positions, namely, Minister for Posts and Telegraph and Minister for Industry and Commerce, and served as Chief Whip in the 1977-79 Government under the late Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. His election to that important position demonstrated his affability and steeliness, two qualities that are required for such an important Government position. Paddy subsequently became an MEP for the constituency of Leinster and it was in that role that I interacted most with him. I recall, for example, having discussions with him on Bord na Móna and agricultural matters, which were always to the fore. Paddy also held the prestigious position of vice-president of the European Parliament for a period.

Paddy Lalor was a man of the people who served people very well. To his family, who are present, including his son, Joe, and daughters, Frances, Helen and Veronica, as well as the wider family circle, I convey again, on behalf of the Labour Party, our sincerest sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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