Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Today we pay tribute to the late Séamus Brennan, an exceptional figure in Irish public life. For more than four decades he was at the cutting edge of Irish politics and his achievements, as we all know, were many. He was driven by a deep desire to serve our country and was instrumental in shaping the modern, outward-looking Ireland of today.

In the months since Séamus Brennan left us, very many well deserved tributes have been paid to him and I, too, add my voice to those tributes on behalf of all Members of this House and of the Fianna Fáil Party on the passing of one of our top legislators.

I welcome Séamus's wife, Ann, and her family to the Chamber. I am pleased they can be with us today to hear of the high regard in which Séamus was held by Members of this House. I also welcome Frank, who we all know was the hard-working, dedicated private secretary to the late Séamus.

Séamus had very many friends and admirers on all sides of the political spectrum. His sad passing at the age of 60 has been deeply felt by many. He will be long remembered as a brilliant political strategist, a dedicated constituency Deputy, an effective Minister and a great family man.

Séamus Brennan's interests in politics were cultivated at a tender age by his late father, who had been a prominent Fianna Fáil man and director of elections in County Galway. It was no surprise when Séamus became active in Fianna Fáil during his student days in UCG. Coming to national prominence when he was appointed as General Secretary of the party in the mid-1970s, he was the youngest person to hold that office. It was the late Jack Lynch who made the inspired decision to appoint Séamus Brennan as Secretary General of Fianna Fáil. As a former secretary of a cumann and a comhairle cheantar, he was the person who was in contact with one on a bi-monthly basis. He was one's inspiration. He was the person one took the lead from and it was people like Séamus Brennan who inspired me to become more active in public life.

Séamus was appointed to Seanad Éireann in 1977 by the then Taoiseach, the late Jack Lynch. That appointment sowed the seeds of a long and distinguished career in the politics of our country. In 1981, Séamus successfully contested his first general election and was elected in nine successive elections by the people of Dublin South, topping the poll on many occasions. His great commitment to his constituents and to the service of the people of Ireland made him a formidable vote-getter.

Séamus served with distinction in a wide range of portfolios at senior and junior ministerial level and threw himself into whatever post he held with great enthusiasm. He first served as Minister of State with responsibility for trade in 1987 before being appointed Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications by the then Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey, in 1989. In a long and distinguished ministerial career, he also held ministerial portfolios in education, communications, transport and social and family affairs. The penalty points system, which he introduced as the Minister in charge, has saved many lives and many thousands of people from serious injuries.

As a Minister, Séamus worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Ireland and succeeded in bringing forward possible solutions to the many challenges this country faced. When Séamus moved from an economic Ministry to social welfare, many wondered how he would cope. He was passionate about the economy and had a significant interest in economic matters, particularly those relating to transport. He took on the cause of the less well-off in our society with a passion and a commitment that was truly remarkable. It is difficult to believe he had not spent his lifetime in that Department.

Séamus gave everything to every job he ever had. His achievements were numerous and were of a lasting effect. He established the Forum on Small Business and negotiated significant welfare increases for the most vulnerable in our society. He published a Green Paper on Education, which placed special emphasis on giving priority to disadvantaged students, and brought forward many new initiatives in air passenger services.

He also served with great distinction as Government Chief Whip from 1997 to 2002 and played a significant role in ensuring that that Administration completed its full term. In that role in particular, his natural talent for conciliation, accommodation and managing pressures served him and the Government of the day very well.

Séamus had a strategic mind and a good grasp of public policy. Ultimately, he believed in doing the right thing by the country and in using his objective political skills to bring the people with us. I acknowledge the key role he played in the negotiations that led to the formation of the current Fianna Fáil-Green Party-Progressive Democrats Government, with the support of Independent Deputies.

Séamus was a man of great courtesy and dignity who never uttered a nasty word or comment about anyone because he did not believe it had any role in the political process. I believe that is the reason he got on so well with everybody and was so successful in persuading people. Despite his illness and declining health, Séamus continued to work for his constituents.

On behalf of all Members of the House and of the Fianna Fáil Party, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Séamus's wife, Ann, who comes from my county, Athlone, and particularly to those on the Ballymahon Road. I first met Ann and Séamus in 1971 when the first Ard Fheis was moved to the RDS. That was a memorable Ard Fheis. Séamus was canvassing for the committee of 15 for the National Executive at that time. It is a long time ago but what a commitment Ann and her family, and her husband Séamus, have made to this country. I express condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland, Seanad Éireann and the Fianna Fáil Party. To Ann and all her family, go mbeannaí Dia trócaire ar a anam.