Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The late Deputy Seymour Crawford served with distinction in Cavan-Monaghan. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of serving with him because I am only on my first term but he was known, as so many of my colleagues said today, as the gentle giant. Reverend Colin Anderson rightly focused on Seymour Crawford's contribution, most importantly to the peace process, which was a hugely significant part of politics for the Border counties back in those times.

Politicians like Seymour nurtured that peace and they nurtured economic prosperity for the Border counties. Seymour took a keen interest in cross-Border structures. Much of his political career was focused on reconciliation, a very honourable attribute to which we should all aspire. My deepest sympathies go to his niece and nephews, Kirsten, Andrew and Alistair, and to the family of Brendan McGahon.

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