Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to say a few words of tribute to the late Senator West. During my years as a Member of the other House and as Dáil Deputy for the constituency of Cork-East, I had occasional representation from the late Senator West on the matters of both national and local concern to him. Many of his friends and colleagues in east Cork would have mentioned to me on numerous occasions the work, the record and the tradition of Senator West.

These occasions are an opportunity to reflect. When we think back to the Ireland of the early 1970s - the Ireland which existed socially and economically at the time of Senator West's first election to Seanad Éireann - we can see the work and the progress which has occurred since then. That is the real tribute to Senator Trevor West and his colleagues at the time, namely, the transformation of our society economically, socially and politically. Mention has been made in the House, and in the many varied and interesting obituaries, of his record as a legislator and his work with the then Senator Mary Robinson. That will certainly be a lasting tribute.

When the public debate increases about the future or lack of a future of this House, and when we will be defending the institution by highlighting how Seanad Éireann has helped transform and modernise Ireland, the name of Trevor West will be high on the list of people we will present as the case for the defence. There are not many people one could associate with Dáil Éireann as having impacted and changed Irish society but, here in this House, with former Senator Mary Robinson and many people stretching back the decades, people such as Trevor West showed clearly how this House can be used as a political institution of change and a political institution for the common good. That is a legacy Trevor West will leave to us, as Members of the Seanad - the absolute proof of the importance of this House and how it can help and change Irish society.

If one were to sum up his career and his qualities, in light of the touching tribute from his friend and colleague, Senator Sean Barrett, I think courage and conviction would have to be at the top of the chosen words. Again, the Ireland of the early, mid and even late 1970s was a difficult Ireland in which to argue for major social change but he not only had strong views, he expressed and advocated those views fearlessly and without favour. For that, we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Like most of the substantial and truly important work in regard to the broader peace process, his work on Northern Ireland was done without fanfare, without media, without cameras and without microphones. It was the painstaking work of building and maintaining friendships, of opening doors and of taking the very difficult decision to talk with, work with and travel with people one would possibly disagree with. We can all walk and chat, or wine and dine, with our friends; it is only when one meets, works with and befriends people from a different community and a different perspective that one truly makes progress. His part in the peace process is very much unwritten but is truly substantial. When the history books are written, the Aherns, the Fitzgeralds, the Barrys and the Springs may occupy the first pages, but very substantial paragraphs will have to be written about people such as Trevor West because they made a true difference in getting people together, in building friendships and in building real bridges to peace. That is a great tribute to him.

On a lighter note, Senator Barrett stole my lines in regard to the lovely picture in the Members' Bar. While we all leave this House and move on, people may quickly forget us. However, when Senator West passed away some weeks ago and many of our newer colleagues asked "Who was Trevor West?", they were told that if they went to the Dáil bar, he is there in the picture of the soccer team with Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern and, suddenly, everybody remembered. However, even in regard to the bringing together of that parliamentary soccer team, which he organised, while in the Ireland of 2012 we would say "So what", in the Ireland of 1977 or 1978, when the picture was taken, it was a slightly more difficult and more sensitive task.

First, that the Oireachtas would have a soccer team and, second, that it would play against a Westminster soccer team. This is but one part of the jigsaw which made up the late Trevor West, and many others like him, who believed in reconciliation, being positively different and taking the extra stride for progress and peace.

I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, family and friends, all of whom can be assured that his substantial record of political, social, economic and, obviously, academic achievement will be long remembered. He was a person of whom we in this House, and all who wish to serve here, can be proud. I am proud that he was a Member of this House.