Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

If I can add to what has been said already, and I adopt all the points that have been made, Nuala Fennell was an outstanding contributor to Irish society and to Irish politics. She described in her autobiography why she was attracted to Dr. Garret FitzGerald's Fine Gael. It was his liberalism and enthusiasm for change and a better Ireland.

It is worth noting that she entered politics in a difficult period of the 1980s and she was part of that period which represented the constitutional crusade. We remember the term "fiscal rectitude" and a new approach to Northern Ireland where there was an effort at meeting of minds. It is important that context is understood.

She wrote of her first branch meeting - her first contact with Fine Gael was in Blackrock in my constituency - and described the short-waves from the assembled men. I think she represented a new era for Irish women in politics.

She also represented something else. It was during her period in representing Dublin South that Fine Gael attained three seats, a feat which was only repeated last year, albeit on a temporary basis but to be revisited.

I add my voice to the tributes, and my regards to the family here, Brian and the extended family.