Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am honoured to lead the tributes to Billy Kenneally on behalf of the Fine Gael Party. The Kenneally family has been the backbone of the Fianna Fáil Party in Waterford for generations. Billy served with distinction in this House and the Dáil for many years. His father was a member of the city council, having been elected in 1942. He also served with distinction in this House from 1952 to 1961. Deputy Brendan Kenneally continues that family tradition, having been a member of this House and Dáil Éireann. I served with Billy from 1979 to 1985 on Waterford Corporation, as it was then called, now Waterford City Council. To be in his company and so many other stalwarts was an educational experience.

I had the pleasure of meeting Billy on many occasions, especially during mayoral elections. We have a tradition in Waterford that former mayors are invited to attend mayoral elections. It is a wonderful tradition because it recognises the efforts of former mayors and what they have done for the city.

I also served on Waterford Harbour Board and we had many good years after 1985. Billy served on that body with distinction.

As the Leader of the House stated, Billy was chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party during turbulent years in the party. I often spoke to him about those occasions. It is no secret that he was not an admirer of the leadership style of the then leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr. Haughey. However, he always remained loyal to the party and I am sure he was delighted in later years to see his son, Brendan, elected to Dáil Éireann. Likewise, he was thrilled to see him, after a short sojourn in this House, regain his seat at the last election. This must have been a great source of pride to Billy.

Billy was a proud Waterford man and for many years served the people of Waterford city and county with distinction. There is no doubt that he was held in high regard by the people of Waterford. As the Leader stated, he was returned on many occasions, often topping the poll, which is testament to the esteem in which the people of Waterford held him.

On my own behalf and that of Fine Gael, I express my sincere sympathy to his wife, Maureen; his brother, Jackie, and the lads. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.