Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael Party in Seanad Éireann, I rise today to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of our late President, Dr. Patrick Hillery, particularly his wife Maeve, son John and the extended family. While extending these sympathies to Dr. Hillery's family, I also thank them for sharing with us and the country a man of integrity, warmth, honesty and ability.

It is somewhat appropriate that last week saw both the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the visit of the European Parliament President to Ireland. Peace on this island and our membership of the European Union were two significant areas in which Dr. Hillery played an important and pivotal role.

It is now acknowledged that his efforts on the conflict in Northern Ireland marked the beginning of an international involvement in finding and securing peace in Ireland, North and South. One must acknowledge the role played by Dr. Hillery in our accession to the European Community. His work as Ireland's first European Commissioner won him much deserved praise and respect, both in this country and other member states. In particular, as the Leader has stated, he played a crucial role in ensuring equal pay for women. Many people have spoken of this to me and talked about his strong personal beliefs and courage in pursuing this concept at a time when it was far from being as accepted as it is today.

President McAleese summed up the contribution of this man when she stated he was involved in every facet of policymaking that paved the way to a new, modern Ireland. A former President, Mary Robinson, referred to how helpful Dr. Hillery was to her when she took up her duties. Former Taoiseach, Garrett FitzGerald, described him as a good man and a good politician.

As a Deputy, a Minister, a European Commissioner and a President who held office for two terms, the late Dr. Hillery showed his commitment to public service at the highest level. He also displayed his loyalty and dedication to Ireland, his ability and his integrity by getting on with whatever task or challenge that was presented to him. He did so in a quiet and unassuming way. Dr. Hillery was a warm, decent, friendly and engaging man. He was respected and admired by those across the spectrum of political ideas and ideologies and he bridged the political divide. I found him to be warm and engaging and a gentleman.

On this day, I wish to thank Maeve Hillery for her great service to this country as the President's wife. She fulfilled her role with grace, style and confidence.

May Dr. Patrick Hillery — the man, the politician, the President — rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.