John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I wish to be associated with the tributes to the memory of the late Michael J.O'Higgins. The contribution of the O'Higgins family to the State in politics and the law going back to the Irish Parliamentary Party in the House of Commons is remarkable, amounting to more than a century of continuity. I did not know Mr. O'Higgins well but I knew his brother, Tom, who could entertain us royally in the Members' bar and had many tales worth listening to. Being elected in 1948, together with his father and brother, must have been a matter of great pride for Michael. There are some echoes with our Leader's family history also in the more recent past.

That Michael's wife was a Deputy and that he carried on, almost uninterrupted in both Houses, for 30 years was a major achievement and contribution to political life. Michael was born in Crookstown, County Kildare, and would have been, as Senator Ryan mentioned, widely spoken about over an extended period. I also knew Michael as a good fisherman. People from the west and anybody who fishes the great lakes there would be aware of that.

There is a powerful lesson for us in the life of Michael O'Higgins and his family. It is not the first time we have mentioned it in the House and it has a modern relevance — in the face of assassination they committed themselves to the road of democracy.

I wish to extend our sympathy to Michael's wife and family.