Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I share the sentiments expressed by Senators about the late Eileen Desmond. To put her political career in context is quite amazing as she came into politics as a result of tragic circumstances. Her husband Dan, who was a Dáil Deputy and deputy leader of the party, died suddenly leaving her with two young children. She won the subsequent by-election and the result of her victory was the decision by the then Taoiseach, Seán Lemass, to dissolve the 17th Dáil so she never had the opportunity to take her seat in that Dáil. However, she went on to retain the seat in the general election.

Eileen Desmond made great sacrifices not just for the people of Cork, but those of Ireland. She campaigned on very sensitive issues and took stances that would have been largely unpopular from many viewpoints. However, she took a political position based on merit and principle — it had nothing to do with electoral dividend, which is plain to see in the example given by the Leader.

I recall meeting Mrs. Desmond at a funeral of a good friend of hers, former councillor Carmel Harrington, in Bantry two years ago. She told me then that she had to get back to Carrigaline that evening for a leaflet drop for the referendum campaign. She was still very active at that point — canvassing during the local and European elections last June — and was a prominent figure at Labour Party conferences. Every time she spoke she commanded a level of interest and attention and there was a great deal of focus on her. She was an icon. She represented an area which stretched from her native Carrigaline to the Limerick and Kerry borders — the old Mid-Cork constituency, which took in towns such as Charleville, Kinsale, Bandon and into Cork city. She serviced the area well, visiting every town and village in the constituency on a regular basis and was a regular feature at late night clinics and branch meetings.

Mrs. Desmond has the distinction of having served in every forum the membership of which she contested. She was a county councillor, Senator, Deputy, Minister and MEP. This is a recognition of her dedication as well as her many understated talents. She never sought any quarter on the basis of her being the first woman to be appointed to a senior Cabinet post. She was one of only nine women Deputies in the history of the Labour Party and was the second ever female Labour Party Deputy.

She would be embarrassed by the tributes in the House this morning because she was very modest. She never once kept a newspaper clipping about herself even though she dominated the media for many years. It was not the way she viewed herself. The Desmond family's service to Cork politics is being continued by Paula, who has the distinction of being the first female cathaoirleach of Cork County Council. Eileen was a wonderful colleague and friend and was a great mother. She had many talents but it is appropriate to point out the relationship she had with her family. She was a mother, father and grandmother to that family and they will miss her dearly. I subscribe to the warm tributes paid to her in this House this morning.