Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Fáilte to all of the Hillery family. I will not attempt to name everybody. Professor Brian Hillery made a significant contribution to public life in Ireland. He did so not only in politics but also in the spheres of economics, business and academia. Following his passing in January 2021, President Higgins paid tribute to Professor Hillery saying, "those who served with him in the Oireachtas will remember Brian as always courteous, and as a warm and intelligent man." Indeed the common threads woven through Professor Hillery's life are the threads of integrity, thoughtfulness and a natural courtesy to people. He matched high achievement with admirable personal qualities that were recognised and appreciated by those of all political persuasions.

A native of Miltown Malbay in County Clare, Professor Hillery was born into a household of strong Fianna Fáil tradition. His cousin Patrick served as President of Ireland from 1976 until 1990.

Brian Hillery excelled as an academic graduating from UCD with a Bachelor of Commerce and later achieving an MA at the University of Georgia before returning to complete a doctorate in UCD. He would later be appointed to the staff at UCD where he went on to become the university's first professor of industrial relations. Following the general election of 1977, he was elected as a Fianna Fáil Senator to the Seanad on the Administrative Panel. He went to serve two subsequent terms in the Seanad as well as winning a seat in the Dáil in the constituency of Dún Laoghaire at the 1987 general election.

Professor Hillery was also known for his principled opposition to the leadership of Charles Haughey. However, his fair, polite and civil nature and indeed his desire to be a calming influence saw him navigate well the choppy waters of internal party strife. Despite his genuine sympathy for Des O'Malley following his expulsion from the party, Professor Hillery chose to stay within the ranks of Fianna Fáil rather than join Mr. O'Malley in the Progressive Democrats. It is a testament to his integrity and honour and his standing amongst his party colleagues that he did so while maintaining his position on the leadership.

Outside the world of politics, Professor Hillery made notable contributions in the areas of administration, finance and economic and industrial relations. He played a key role in trying to broker resolutions to significant industrial disputes during the 1970s where he was remembered for adopting a conciliatory, calm and pragmatic approach.

Professor Hillery also held several successful roles and positions in the private sector, including in the areas of media, finance and banking. Following his departure from national politics, Professor Hillery was appointed as an executive director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 1994 and served until 1997. In a rapidly changing world, it was a role he took very seriously and one in which he commanded sincere respect for his diligent work. He also served on a number of bodies advising the Government in the areas of public sector pay, pensions and education and he later became a director of the Central Bank and of the Financial Regulator.

Those who knew Professor Hillery well repeatedly cite their admiration for his warmth, his decency, his intellect and the importance he placed on serving the public interest. It is right that the Dáil recognises his work, his achievements and his life. I express my sincere condolences on behalf of Sinn Féin to his wife Miriam and to his children Cliona, Conor, Eugene, Brian and Gavin; to his extended family and wide circle of friends; to his colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Party; and to all those who loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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