Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I too want to join in recognising the legend that was Charlie Bird. For four decades, his voice was to be heard across the most important news stories of our times. His incredible, heartbreaking work on the Stardust tragedy is a stand-out from that very long career. He will always be remembered for his role, of course, in covering the emerging Irish peace process, including as the RTÉ contact person for the IRA in those years. I pay particular tribute to Charlie for the courage and humanity he demonstrated when diagnosed with motor neurone disease. His selfless campaign, charity work, bravery and resilience were truly inspirational for all of us; indeed, I would go so far as to say they lifted the spirits of the country. He will be remembered not just by all of us but by everybody for his incredible personality, impactful reporting, bravery in the face of very serious illness, decency and good humour. In the end, there was only one Charlie Bird.

I express my deepest condolences and those of Sinn Féin to Charlie's wife Claire, his daughters, Orla and Neasa, his wide circle of family and friends and to all his former journalistic colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

See this speech in context