Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join the words of tribute that have been paid to the late Thomas J. Fitzpatrick. I was privileged to know Tom for as long as I can remember and everything that has been said about him is correct. He was an honourable and decent man. While many people did not realise it, Tom was a native of County Monaghan. He was born in Scotshouse, which is just across the border from Cavan. He was very fortunate to spend most of his life in Cavan and represented the people of that county. As is commonly known by many people in this country, the people of Cavan dislike the Monaghan people and they hate us. The acceptance of a Monaghan man by Cavan people, therefore, is the best honour that can be paid to anybody.

He started his political career as a member of Cavan Urban District Council, which he served as chairman for many years. He was a Senator for a short time, a Deputy and, on three occasions, a Minister. He was then appointed Ceann Comhairle, the highest position in Dáil Éireann apart from Taoiseach. As Senator Dardis noted, he had the opportunity to continue as Ceann Comhairle in 1987 but his party did not wish for him to do so. I do not think many of us would pay attention to our parties if we had the opportunity to continue for another term as Ceann Comhairle.

I was privileged to know Tom Fitzpatrick for as long as I can remember. I was delighted to be able to attend his funeral last Thursday and honoured to take part in his guard of honour which, by representing every political opinion in County Cavan, demonstrated the high esteem in which Tom Fitzpatrick was held. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Carmel, his son, Tom, and his daughter, Geraldine, who currently lives in Cork, as well as to his nephew, Mr. Justice Thomas Fitzpatrick, who is a good friend of mine, and to the Fine Gael party at national level and in County Cavan.