John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I wish to be associated with the remarks of previous speakers in offering our sympathies to the family of the late Larry McMahon. I never met Mr. McMahon but anyone with an interest in politics, and particularly that famous by-election, would know who he was. Having listened to the tributes today, both here and in the Lower House, the point that comes across is his sense of decency. In Cork, they would call him a decent man. He made a contribution to public life at various levels and in difficult times. If we value our society, we recognise that it starts with our family, the extended family, the community in which we live and the extended community. The commitment made by politicians is not only made by them but also by their families. Not alone do we salute the contribution Larry McMahon made to public life but we also salute the support his family gave him in making that contribution.

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I wish to extend my sympathy to his children and his sister. Across the political divide, everyone has universally acknowledged the contribution that Larry McMahon made on behalf of his community and the Fine Gael Party to the service of the State.