Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I extend condolences from the Independent benches to the former Senator Kit Ahern's family and party. I never served with her but knew her quite well. She was a pleasant woman and a great conversationalist. She never visited the House without going out of her way to speak to any of us with Kerry connections or from Kerry. I used to always tell her, like I tell all people from that part of west Limerick, that they know they are really Kerry people even though their address might be west Limerick.

She spread her wings quite well and her bloodline has had a significant impact on Kerry's status. Her great nephew "Bomber" Liston brought great silverware to Kerry and her cousin, Senator O'Sullivan, is continuing the name and operation of Kit's family in politics.

She was born in Athea but we always associate her with Kerry. We pay tribute and recognise the work she has done in this building, be it the Dáil or Seanad. Anybody who puts himself or herself forward for public representation is engaged in the highest area of activism in a democracy. Regardless of his or her party or views, I always recognise and salute that, and we should do that.

More importantly in the case of this woman, she was a role model as a community activist. She was involved in everything in her community and in the development of the ICA, in particular, in which she reached high office. She made her contribution at local level, including in the ICA, but also in every local association, organisation and club. She was a member of a county council and had a commitment to local community. She also served in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. It is people like her who become role models for young people. It is to people like her we should refer as teachers in terms of people's responsibilities in a democracy. Their responsibilities are not only to receive but to give. While we might agree or disagree with some of the measures she proposed along the way, her commitment is the requirement and responsibility or being a citizen in a democracy and must be much prized and supported. As a teacher she made her contribution, which I recognise.

I recognise, salute, and pay tribute to a woman who made a contribution as a teacher, in her local community, county, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. We can ask no more of a citizen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.