Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Of behalf of the Seanad but, in particular, on behalf of my party, I pay tribute to the late Tom Fitzpatrick who passed away recently. I note the Dáil paid its tributes yesterday. He had a brief stint in the Seanad on the Administrative Panel before entering the Dáil. In every position he held, he delivered on it with great diligence and commitment. I pay tribute to his time in the Seanad and, in a general sense, to his overall political career. He was a wonderful example to so many people in Leinster House. When I became a Member of the Seanad in 1981 he was the Ceann Comhairle. This was my first introduction to the schoolmaster of Leinster House, as he would have been.

I recall being very struck by him, not alone by his demeanour and the way he conducted the business, which was excellent, but also by the kindly way in which he carried it out. He would often seek one out afterwards if he had to be severe with one in regard to a ruling, if one was popping up and down too often, or if he felt he had been brusque with those of us who were about the business of the Opposition, as we were then. I recall the kindly way he would seek one out and explain a point of order or, perhaps, enlighten one as to how one might go about one's business in the House in a more proper way. I remember that so well.

He was kind and meticulous and a really nice gentleman. I was struck by the way he conducted his business so well. He gave distinguished service in many areas of public life from his earlier life on town councils, county councils, VECs, and into Leinster House, first in the Seanad and later in the Dáil. He held many ministerial posts which he carried out with great diligence and respect for the job in hand and for the people with whom he dealt. I recall being on a deputation from our town council to see him when he was Minister for Transport. He met us with kindness and respect, dealt with us and followed through on our case. All his life was devoted to dealing with people respectfully, honestly and in a straightforward manner. He was a great example of a public servant and of how business should and can be done in public life.

I also met him in another guise. Many years ago he was involved in the Cavan drama society — which is where he met his first wife — and when my father and two others started an all-Ireland drama festival, he used to come to it and stay in the Hudson Bay Hotel. He was out of my reach at that time as I was very young then. I remember thinking what a rounded life he had, and he had the same in his private life. He made a lucky choice in his first wife and they were extraordinarily happy, but he lost her and a daughter, Fidelma. Many years later, having surmounted these troubles and worked through them, he married Carmel. We were used to seeing them both in this House as he attended his duties assisted by her in every way.

Tom Fitzpatrick was remarkable in public life, because I have not met anybody who has said a word against him. When speaking of others, people often say they was sharp or otherwise. Tom was not. He was kindly, well rounded, authoritative when necessary, conscientious, diligent and a really nice person. If we could all get the same epitaph, we would do well.

Tom served his constituency wonderfully. He represented Cavan and part of Meath at one stage, then Cavan on its own and then Cavan-Monaghan. His constituents received the same respect and support as he gave to every part of his public life. It is with great respect and sympathy that I propose this vote of regret and sympathy to Carmel, to his son and daughter, to his brother and his wider family who mourn a very fine politician.