Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

In accordance with Standing Order 80(a) I propose that expressions of sympathy may be heard on the death of the two former Members. There will be one speaker from each group. I understand that Senators Coonan, Cummins, Hanafin and Ormonde also wish to contribute.

I pay tribute to two former Members of this House. The first is the late David Molony. Many of us knew David very well. He served on the Cultural and Educational Panel of the Seanad from 1977 until 1981 when he successfully contested the general election. He served in Dáil Éireann until 1987. I remember him distinctly because he was a very fervent contributor on educational matters in the Dáil.

I am aware that here we are speaking about him as a Member of this House. In his four years on the Cultural and Educational Panel he spoke strongly on many matters, especially legal, justice and consumer affairs. His greatest political passions were justice, human rights and education. He spoke very eloquently, with great force and passion, on all of those matters. His death, at 52, was very early and very sad for his wife Eve and his two sons, Patrick and Conor. They bear the brunt of such an early demise. It is extremely difficult for them to have lost their husband and father.

The legal profession, which David Molony served with great distinction, has lost a very valued member. He always upheld the highest traditions of integrity in his legal practice. His colleagues in Fine Gael will have much more to say about him.

I knew David very well when I was in Opposition in the Dáil, from 1983 to 1987. We often discussed matters of educational interest. He had a very fine mind. He was instrumental in setting up the Free Legal Advice Centre and became its first president. In that and all other matters his humanitarian character, which he inherited from his father who was a well-known medical practitioner in Thurles and the surrounding area, came into everything he said and did. He was strongly active within his party during the last election and contributed greatly to his party. On behalf of my party and as Leader of the House I express sympathy to his wife, Eve, and to his two sons, Patrick and Conor. We share their sense of grief.