Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Brian Hillery was widely regarded as one of the great gentlemen of Irish politics. Those who served with him in the Oireachtas have remarked on how he was always extremely courteous and a warm and intelligent man. Those who spoke of his legacy after his passing referred as fondly to his personal qualities as much as his achievements. He served as a Senator from 1977 to 1982, 1983 to 1989 and 1992 to 1994. He was also a Deputy for the constituency of Dún Laoghaire from 1989 to 1992.

In signalling his strength of character, Professor Hillery opposed Charles Haughey during the three tempestuous heaves in the early 1980s, despite considerable pressure from constituency members to back the leader. Fianna Fáil was riven by dissension at the time and tempers were frequently frayed. Professor Hillery, however, managed to remain on good terms with the different strands of the party, while refusing to budge on his view that Charles Haughey should go.

Outside the Seanad Chamber, Professor Hillery's skills were in great demand, whether this involved helping to bring about peace at the height of the industrial conflict in the ESB the 1970s, bringing about agreement on Army pay in the 1990s or dealing with hostilities between the largest shareholders in Independent News and Media, INM, in the 2000s. His calm and steady approach was vital in resolving seemingly intractable disputes. After a career in politics, he was appointed as the representative of Ireland and Denmark on the board of the EBRD in London from 1994 to 1997. He was subsequently appointed chairman of INM and of Providence Resources. He is survived by his wife, Miriam, daughter, Cliona, and sons Conor, Eugene, Brian and Gavin. On my behalf, and that of my colleagues in the Rural Independent Group, I offer our heartfelt sympathies to them all today.

See this speech in context