Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I wish to pay tribute to the late Senator Myles Staunton on behalf of the Labour Party group in the Seanad. I welcome his family and extend my sympathy to his wife, Marianne, his children and family and to his friends and those who knew him in Westport.

I did not know him personally but I have a Westport connection, as my great grandmother was a Reilly from the centre of town and I have a great love for Westport. I knew of the late Senator by reputation and his great stature in the town. Senators Mooney and Cummins have spoken about the deep affection in which he was held in Westport.

The late Senator was first elected in 1973 to the Dáil and as others have said, he served a number of terms in the Seanad and gave a total of 12 years public service to the Oireachtas. As a Labour Party member, I was interested to read of his critical role in the formation of the Fine Gael-Labour Party coalition, the Government of Liam Cosgrave and Brendan Corish. His election as a Fine Gael Deputy made that coalition possible, which is an interesting aspect of that election. I have read of his eloquent advocacy for economic development in the west and in Westport, in particular, as well as his strong advocacy for the use of natural resources and his recognition of the possibilities of globalisation. As Senator Mooney has said, he was ahead of his time in terms of the environmental agenda and recognising the possibilities of renewable energy and the immense potential of our natural resources for economic renewal and development. He was ahead of his time also in terms of his role on the global stage, in looking to develop links between Ireland and Asia as well as other European countries.

I pay tribute to his distinguished and highly-respected career in political life and in public service. Again, may I express my sincere sympathy on behalf of the Labour Party group to his family, friends and to the people of Westport.