John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrat group, I join the Leader of the House and those of the other groups in mourning the passing of former Senator Michael Yeats. I acknowledge his contribution to Ireland and celebrate a very long and distinguished life. Members of the family have been well spoken of by others, and I will not repeat those sentiments, other than to say this. Among those things for which they were notable, something perhaps unusual at the time, was their belief that nationalism and inclusion were not mutually exclusive ideas. They felt they could embrace nationalism as part of an inclusive process, which is how nationalism should be and how I believe it was practised by both Senator Yeats and his father, in whose poetry it is evident.

Michael Yeats was a candidate in the general election of 1948 and became a Member of this House in 1951. He was a very distinguished Cathaoirleach, but the aspect on which I would like to concentrate is his contribution to the European movement, beginning with the Council of Europe. He was the first Irish speaker in the European Parliament and later, as the Leader stated, a Vice President. In times when we were less confident as a nation, that was a most singular achievement. It was also very important that Irish voices be heard in that forum and throughout Europe. It has been through people such as Senator Yeats that Irish society has advanced to this point, where we have confidence in our membership of the European Union and our place internationally. Those are part of the legacy he left us.

With regard to the papers, it is highly significant, and to the family's great credit, that the Yeats collection is with the National Library. I do not find it surprising, however, since they were patriots, and that is why they gifted it. That is another respect in which we might usefully learn from the life of the late Senator. For those reasons and the others mentioned, I mark his passing and extend our sympathy to his wife and family, as well as to his Fianna Fáil colleagues.