Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We on the Independent benches would like to be associated with the words of condolence to the family of the late Eileen Desmond. I did not know her in political life as she was gone when I came in here but I met her two or three times. She was one of those iconic figures I associated with political life before I was elected to national politics. She had a great presence which came across in the media and in person. One always remembers the curl in her hair, which was almost like a trademark. She always had a word for people around her.

I would like to reflect on the significant contribution Eileen made. She was a role model not just for other women, but for politicians. As one who was principle-driven, she is a role model for the many politicians today who are opinion poll-driven. She was a woman who took the hard stance, who made the hard decisions in public and who faced her electorate and explained and sold her position. That is the reputation she leaves behind. I thank her on behalf of all of us for the contribution she made as a young widow coming into political life, finding her way and making an impact at local, national and European level. We owe her a debt of gratitude. She was the kind of person we need in public representation. She was a good role model for people looking to take on that kind of lifestyle. I offer our condolences from these benches to her daughters, her family and her colleagues past and present in the Labour Party.