Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I extend sympathies on behalf of the Rural Independent Group on the sad passing of former Deputy, Monica Barnes, to her husband, Bob, and her daughters, Sarah and Joanne. She had a vibrant political career. I do not know what age Deputy McDonald is but I must be a bit older as I remember many robust debates on radio, television and at a number Ard-Fheiseanna when I belonged to a different organisation and used to attend those.

We heard on many radio programmes over the weekend, especially from Gemma Hussey and others, about Monica's activities during those heaves and debates within Fine Gael and about her spontaneous and gregarious engagement with former taoisigh and senior members of Fine Gael. I would like to have been a fly on the wall for that. She had a very distinguished political career and we thank her for her service. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

See this speech in context