Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a ghabháil freisin ar mo shon agus sr son Aontú agus an Ghrúpa Réigiúnaigh do chlann agus do chairde Brian Hillery. Ba chailliúint ollmhór é agus don chlann, go háirithe. I express my deepest sympathies, and those of my party and of the Regional Group to the family of Brian Hillery. People who knew him personally knew him as a gentleman. A gentleman recognised by all sides in this Chamber is an unusual thing. It is also important to state that Professor Hillery excelled in all aspects of his life, especially academically as a young man. He served as the first professor of industrial relations at UCD, as well as a Deputy and a Senator in these Houses. His expertise in industrial relations and as an academic guided him through his career. He proved to be a rock of sense and knowledge in the Seanad and Dáil.

Despite significant internal party political pressures in Fianna Fáil, Professor Hillery stood up for what he believed in. This too is an outstanding mark of his credibility as an elected representative. He worked with multiple public bodies, including the EBRD and as a director of the Central Bank, in a lifetime of national service. Such a variety of high-level roles and the ability to deal with so many areas shows a very impressive intellect. We have heard from the many friends of Professor Hillery in politics and other fields. They have reflected on the calm and stable voice that he was in those tumultuous times in politics. They showed him as a kind and decent man who served his constituency well.

Professor Hillery leaves an impressive legacy for his former party, his constituents and the country, but most of all for his family. When we lose a loved one to whom we are very close, we are left with the memories we have and the legacy left for us as we live our own lives. I extend our deepest sympathies to all the members of Professor Hillery's family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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