Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I could see Joe Doyle chuckling when he was credited with slowing down the progress of the Green Party. I say that in jest. Joe was a real Dubliner, a gentleman and a friend. He was elected to Dublin City Council in 1979, the same year I was elected to Waterford City Council. The highlight of his career was being the first citizen of the city he loved so well, our capital city. Joe was a man of deep faith, a true Christian and the sacristan at his parish Church of the Sacred Heart. He knew everyone in Donnybrook and around his constituency on a first name basis. That is the sign of a true politician. I shared many hours of entertainment with him on his Seanad campaigns in Waterford with his friend, the former Deputy and Senator, Dick Dowling. We shared a love of horses and having an occasional bet and we certainly enjoyed one another's company on many occasions. I extend my sincere sympathy to Peggy and all the family. Today is an occasion on which Members celebrate the life of Mr. Joe Doyle, a man who gave so much to his community and to his people.