Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I pay tribute to the late Nuala Fennell whom I came to know in the late 1980s. We both ran for election in the general election of 1989. I knew her as a very reflective person who pursued and focused on the issues to which she was so committed, in particular, anything to do with women. Equal opportunity was the main theme. She was very aware of the lack of women in Leinster House, an issue on which she made many contributions. I recall being with her at many residents' association meetings and during many debates in Dublin South, especially during that general election campaign. At no time was she ever confrontational. We were competitive, but she never took me on on any issue; she was always courteous and kind. She was a beautiful person and a very good politician. She was a competitor, but she did not use this trait in the way we all do today. That is what I remember best about her. She was a lady. It was very nice to have known her and I am pleased to be associated with the many tributes paid to her today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.