Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Government, and particularly my colleagues Deputies Varadkar and Eamon Ryan who cannot be here and have asked me to speak on their behalf, I join with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and all Members of the House in expressing our deepest sympathies at the untimely and tragic death of Sir David Amess. Sir David was so needlessly murdered while meeting with and serving his own constituents last Friday in Southend-on-Sea. Holding clinics is something we as elected representatives do as part of our public service to the communities we serve. Face-to-face interaction with constituents is what makes our job worthwhile and fruitful. It is a crucial part of our democracy and we should do our utmost to protect and continue it. Sir David's murder was an attack on democracy. I was struck at how all Members of Westminster spoke so highly and kindly of Sir David, at how he had numerous friends across all parties and was described as someone who was exceptionally decent, down to earth and hard-working. One could not but be moved by the extraordinary expressions of solidarity and friendship from his constituents and the people he served, who spoke about him so eloquently. It is a wonderful legacy as a politician to have that. I sincerely hope that Sir David's wife Julia and his four daughters receive some comfort from these kind comments as they deal with their deep personal and very sad loss.

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