Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Rural Independent Group I express our sympathies on the deaths of former Teachtaí Dála, Brendan McGahon agus Seymour Crawford.

I knew Seymour Crawford well. I knew of him before I came into this House because my late father-in-law, Nicholas, was a colleague of his in the IFA and the NFA and I had heard many stories regaling his exploits regarding farming politics. He had a huge knowledge of farming issues.

Seymour was first elected as a Fine Gael Deputy in the 1992 general election, when he became a Member of the 27th Dáil. He was re-elected to the Dáil in the 1997, 2002 and 2007 general elections, during which time I got to know him. As was said earlier, he was a member of Monaghan County Council from June 1991 to 2003. He was involved in many of the group water schemes in Monaghan that I became familiar with. In 2004, he was spectacularly elected vice president of the IFA. Many of us here will be going to a meeting soon at which we expect to be lobbied by the IFA. Seymour was also vice chairman of the British-Irish Parliamentary Body in 2004. He straddled the Border well because of his faith and his friendship with former Senator Fox. He held strong views in many areas. He was respected by all in Monaghan and Cavan.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I did not know Brendan McGahon but I had seen him many times on various television programmes. I recall him being very straight and honest with Mr. Gay Byrne on the "The Late Late Show". I do not think he was ever again a guest on that show but he told Gay Byrne what he thought about different things. He was a straight-talking, fearless politician. They are scarce today. He served his people well. I welcome his family here today, as I welcome the relatives, nephews and nieces of Seymour Crawford. I want to add our voice to the expressions of sympathy. Brendan McGahon and Seymour Crawford served rural constituencies with many different complexities. Seymour had a good eye for future politicians.

Tá an tAire anseo inniu. She knows I know all the people up that way, so she is always careful in what she says to me. I am delighted to welcome everyone here. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

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