Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael Party in the Seanad, I offer our condolences to Fianna Fáil and the family of the late Peggy Farrell. The death of a former Member is always an occasion when colleagues on all sides will remember the person and pay tribute to his or her contribution to national politics. Peggy Farrell was a Member of this House from 1969 until 1973. I was born in 1969 and did not know her well, but my colleagues, particularly those from Roscommon, have told me she was a formidable female politician at a time when it was very difficult for a woman to be in politics.

While this House has one of the lowest percentages in terms of women in politics in any EU country, it was appalling in the 1960s and 1970s. County Roscommon is quite unique in this respect as it had a number of other female politicians at the time. Joan Burke, a former Fine Gael Deputy, and Peggy Farrell were both outstanding female politicians. Those women got into politics when it was difficult to do so.

Peggy Farrell was an employer in Roscommon town. Rather than merely talking about jobs she created them, which was a tremendous achievement. She was involved in the ICA for many years and was a former president of the association.

On behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I would like to be associated with the tributes that have been paid to her memory. I would also like to offer our deepest sympathy to her family, her three children and her husband. I would like her memory to be cherished and remembered forever in this House of which she was a fine and distinguished Member for four years.