Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party and the House I express sympathy at the recent death of Mr. George E. Russell, or Ted Russell, as he was known, who died in Limerick at the advanced age of 92, having been in good health until recently. All Members will know of Ted Russell. While I did not know him, I knew of him. He was elected to the Seanad in 1969 from the industrial and commercial panel. He contested the Seanad election on the administrative panel in 1965. Ted was an Independent Deputy for Limerick East. He contested the Dáil election in that constituency as an Independent in 1967 and as a Fine Gael candidate in the subsequent elections in 1968 and 1973. Earlier in his political career he had been a Clann na Poblachta candidate in Limerick East in the general elections of 1948 and 1951 and a by-election in 1952.

He had considerable experience of public life having served in Clann na Poblachta, Fine Gael and as an Independent, including a number of years here in Seanad Éireann, where I understand he was a fine contributor to debates. His death occurred after a short illness at the age of 92. He was a freeman of the city of Limerick and was a leading businessman and public figure for half a century. He was mayor of the city of Limerick five times, an Independent Member of Dáil Éireann for one term and a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1969 to 1977, which was a considerable spell to have served. I understand he was a prolific contributor to various debates.

He died peacefully and is survived by his wife, Derry, and children, Mary, Margaret, George and Derry. To his wife and family, I offer the sympathies of this House, where he served for so many years with distinction.