Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

It was with great sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Deputy Séamus Brennan, a former Minister who represented Dublin South. Our thoughts today are primarily with his wife, Ann, and six children, who face such a terrible loss.

Séamus battled his illness with great bravery and courage, doing his utmost to continue his public duties right up to the end. It is sad that this courteous man, a true gent of Irish politics, has passed away at such a young age. Séamus served in many ministries under three Taoisigh, including as Chief Whip and in the Departments dealing with education, commerce, transport, trade, social and family affairs and, most recently, arts, sport and tourism. It is a wonderful record of public service.

In all his ministries he went about his business in a diligent, determined and effective manner. He was a renowned constituency Deputy, as well as a national politician. He represented his constituency of Dublin South since its creation and never lost an election.

I remember how difficult it was to appear on a radio or television programme with Séamus — I will not forget the experience — as one simply could not argue with him. He explained his and the Fianna Fáil Party position and policy in a very gentle, reasonable manner and always with a smile. He had a famous smile and a wonderful way of engaging people. We all saw the effectiveness of Séamus's people and communications skills when he kept together a Government supported by a variety of Independent Deputies from 1997 until 2002. That achievement required a certain temperament, character and understanding and an ability to reach out to people, traits which Séamus had in abundance.

Personally and on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I extend sincere sympathies and condolences to Séamus's wife, Ann, his six children, his political colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Party and his Dublin South constituents. Ireland has lost a decent, honourable man who served the nation very well. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.