Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I pay tribute to the former councillor, Senator and Deputy, the late Kit Ahern. She was a pioneering woman, one of the few women in Irish politics when she was first elected. She had a passionate commitment to rural Ireland, to the quality of life for women and a strong commitment to arts, culture and language. Her influence in many ways transcended party political lines. She was a president of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, which is a marvellous organisation. She played a key role in building up that organisation in the 1940s and 1950s. As she said, she did not come into it a ready-made organisation; she helped to form and build it. It played a key role for many years, particularly at that time in rural life, and it continues to play a role today.

She was also a member of the Bord Fáilte. She was an avid promoter of the Irish language and president of the Kerry Historical and Archaeological Society. She had broad interests. I did not know her personally but people speak warmly of her. She was first female cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council when appointed in 1977. She was also elected, as the Leader said, to the Seanad and Dáil on a number of occasions and retired in 1981.

While I did not know her personally, what I have heard about her shows what a positive, constructive and innovative contribution she made to public life in Ireland and in the Oireachtas. I note Senator O'Sullivan was quoted in the Irish Examiner as saying she had huge integrity. That is a wonderful tribute to be paid to anyone. To her family, friends and her colleagues, I extend my deepest sympathies and those of the Fine Gael Party. May she rest in peace.