Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Rural Independents and on my own behalf, I would like to express our sympathies on the deaths of two former parliamentarians of some renown. We offer our sympathies to their families and indeed to the Fine Gael Party, to Monica's daughter and her husband, Bob, and others. The former Senator and Deputy was described by her daughter, Sarah, as an open and optimistic person and that she most definitely was. Although she and I had many differing views, I salute her courage and her integrity in standing up for what she believed in with passion and conviction. To her husband and family I offer our sincere sympathies for their loss.

I worked with Paddy Harte in television and on radio and listened to his debates. To the Harte family, his wife Rosaleen, and, of course, the former Senator, Jimmy Harte, with whom I served on the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, I offer our sympathies. Paddy Harte came in here in 1961 and successfully contested 11 further general elections. That was no mean achievement. He was a colourful character and very passionate. His son, Jimmy, also distinguished himself when he was here and we miss him. I certainly miss Jimmy's company and his kind advice.

Paddy was involved in many projects after he retired. The biggest one of all was the Island of Ireland Peace Park, which was opened by no less than the President of the day, Mary McAleese, Prince Albert of Belgium and Queen Elizabeth. He always pursued peace, long before it was fashionable, in the peace process and in tough and challenging times. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anamacha dílse an bheirt iarTheachta.

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