Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

In accordance with the Order of the Dáil on Tuesday, 17 April, we will now hear expressions of sympathy on the death of Mr. Peter Mathews, former Fine Gael member and Independent Deputy for the Dublin South constituency. At the outset I want to welcome Mrs. Susan Mathews, widow of our late colleague, Deputy Mathews and their sons James, John and David, their daughter Maria who are in attendance today with their partners. They are all very welcome to Leinster House. As it is just over a year since the passing of Peter Mathews, it is appropriate that the House avails of this opportunity to pay tribute to him.

Over the course of his membership of the 31st Dáil, I enjoyed many conversations - very long conversations, very often - on a great deal of issues with Peter. In fact, the only thing longer than the conversations were the text messages that I got from him from time to time. In all of those communications, he always mentioned his wife Susan. In my mind, Peter was first and foremost, a family man. As we all know, he was by no means a conventional politician, though his membership of the 31st Dáil certainly enriched that assembly. In his contributions and in his actions, whether addressing the consequences of the financial meltdown, the critical matter of corporate responsibility or any of the other important issues he raised, he consistently demonstrated the fact that he was a man of deeply-held convictions. Decency, integrity and respect were hallmarks of the man. He was brave, could never be accused of groupthink and was someone I will remember with great fondness and genuine respect. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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