Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

This is a sad occasion. However, it gives me pleasure to say some words about a person with whom I was elected on at least four, perhaps five, occasions, who served in this House for many years.

Michael Howard was born on 19 September 1933 in Ballinalacken in north Clare, the only child of the late Thomas and Bridget Howard. Michael's father passed away when he was a very young man and it fell to his mother Bridget to raise him. She had a considerable influence on his political life. Bridget was the former Bridget Murphy from Ballymacraven in Ennistymon, a cousin of Bill Murphy, the former Fine Gael Deputy for County Clare. She encouraged Michael's interest in politics by involving him in discussions. As a result, from an early age he developed a keen interest in politics, particularly in Fine Gael, an interest he maintained to the day of his death.

He was especially proud of the role that Cumann na nGaedheal leaders played in establishing the founding democratic institutions of our State and he remained faithful to the core philosophy and policies of the Fine Gael Party. It was no surprise that Michael entered the political arena. He was successfully elected to Clare County Council in 1974 where he continued to serve with distinction until 1991. It was only a matter of time before he entered national politics, standing for Fine Gael in the 1969 Dáil elections. He stood for the party on two further occasions, in 1973 and 1981. Although he was not successful in his endeavours, he had an opportunity to enter national politics when he was elected on the industrial and commercial panel to Seanad Éireann in 1977 with a nomination from the Vintners Federation of Ireland. He served as a Member of this House from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1989 to 1997. Michael was a very keen Member of Seanad Éireann and was a greatly respected and popular man among his peers across the political divide. Even though he retired from politics in 1997 Michael never lost his love of and interest in politics. He returned regularly to Leinster House where he enjoyed catching up with old friends and keeping up to date with the latest news.

In his early years, Michael was very involved with Macra na Feirme and played a leading role in the IFA and national farming organisations. He was instrumental in setting up Clare mart in Ennis which was extremely successful at the time. He and his late wife Breda ran a very successful farm and tourist-related business in Ennis. The One Mile Inn licensed premises in Ennis was an establishment where he played a leading role in helping and assisting the Licensed Vintners Association. As the vintners' representative in Seanad Éireann he certainly made his presence felt in his capacity to lobby on their behalf.

He was also a very strong supporter of Ireland's entry to the European Union in 1973 and continued his great support, particularly for the Common Agricultural Policy, up to the time of his death.

He was highly regarded as an analyst and commentator at election time and was an expert on election results. He did numerous commentaries on Clare FM radio as counts progressed during many elections. Nothing would have given him greater joy than to have seen his daughter, Mary, elected to Ennis town council on Friday, 5 June.

On a personal note, I found Michael to be a remarkable individual who gave his all to the people he represented. He had a wonderful way of viewing the world and displayed a remarkable insight into current events. Like so many others in the Seanad, I benefited from his wisdom and political expertise.

We on this side of the House acknowledge Michael's tremendous contribution to Seanad Éireann, to the Fine Gael organisation and to Irish society. He will be sorely missed. On my behalf and that of the Fianna Fáil Party, and as Leader of Seanad Éireann, I extend my deepest sympathy to Michael's family, to Tom, Michael, Mary, Seamus, Elizabeth, Gearóid, Louise and Bríd, to his grandchildren and to the Fine Gael organisation in general. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam.