Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Barry. Peter served as a Minister in the Fine Gael-Labour coalition Government in place when I first entered the Oireachtas. He was regarded as an unfailingly loyal colleague and was trusted and respected. His counsel was sought by parliamentary colleagues on all sides of this House.

He was a friend of my political mentor, Brendan Corish. They shared many anecdotes. I am reminded of one by the remarks of Deputy Martin. He talked of the esteem with which Peter Barry was held in Cork. I am reminded of a story that Brendan Corish told. He was recounting the events of one Saturday night. He had finished his clinics in Wexford and had gone home to Belvedere Road in Wexford. There was a knock on the door. A man looking for advice was there. Brendan Corish, as was his wont, said, "Do come in". The man said that before he came in, he had to say to Brendan Corish that he had never voted for him, that he always gave his number one vote to Sir Anthony Esmonde, but that he could never go to a gentleman with the problem he had.

Peter's central role in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Agreement planted the seeds that many others, including Dick Spring and Albert Reynolds, were able to develop in later years when working to construct a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

During his time in this House, his wisdom and insight during times of enormous strain were of huge value to Members and his sense of right was important for people to hear. He was a noted benefactor and supporter of Blackrock National Hurling Club as well as the Fine Gael organisation in Cork and is dearly missed, no doubt, by his home community. On behalf of the Labour Party, I extend my deepest sympathies to Peter's children - Deirdre, Fiona, Tony, Donagh, Conor and Peter - and all his extended family and friends gathered in Leinster House today and the many more who are undoubtedly watching these proceedings. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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