Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I also wish to be associated with the tributes to the late Ruairí Brugha, who was a Member of this House on two occasions, in the periods 1969-73 and 1977-81, and a Member of Dáil Éireann from 1973-77. I was first elected to the Seanad in 1977, a year in which Ruairí Brugha was also elected. There are only two Members in the present Seanad who served with him, namely, Senator Kitt and I. Much of his life was devoted to reconciling the Nationalist and Unionist traditions on the island and bringing about a peaceful end to partition. Though it could be said that he inherited the tradition of physical force republicanism he vigorously promoted the practice of non-violent politics.

In the early 1980s he failed to get elected to the Dáil or Seanad and his active role in politics was over. His wife wrote in her recent book, History's Daughter, that he may have been too idealistic for politics, because he never promoted himself. His only interest was in putting the country first.

On my own behalf I extend my sympathy to his wife Máire and family on the death of Ruairí.