Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sure Tom would agree with the ruling from the Chair.

Having celebrated one legend last night, it is fitting that we celebrate another today. I am sure Tom would have enjoyed being at the event last night to celebrate Páidí Ó Sé. It is sad for an area such as Dingle to lose two such characters. They were famous in their lifetimes throughout the country and the world.

When I was elected to the Seanad, Tom Fitzgerald was good enough to give me some great advice, much of which one would never see written in any book. This is the best advice one could ever get. Tom had a long and prestigious career in Kerry County Council in addition to Seanad Éireann. When one walks down the corridors in the premises of Kerry County Council, as Tom did when representing his constituents and as I hope Breandán will do, one sees a picture on the wall of Tom smiling down on us, perhaps with knowledge of what needs to be done to get things done. As a politician, Tom got things done, including through his chairmanship of Dingle Harbour Commissioners. We have all seen the photograph of Dingle in the 1960s and comparisons between the pier then and now. The pier today is a world-class facility, thanks to the ability, guile and cunning of Tom Fitzgerald in ensuring his area would get the best of what was available.

It was Tom's ability to make friends, not only within his own party but across the House, that ensured he was much loved and respected in both this Chamber and his native County Kerry. He had a tough political career. When one gets elected to the Seanad, one assumes one's term will be five years. Famously in the 1980s, no sooner had one got over one gruelling election than one had to face another. This must have been tough for all concerned, not only Mr. Fitzgerald but also Bridie and the rest of the family. Tom survived this, however, and prevailed in the end, serving with distinction. As my colleague, Senator Ó Murchú, has pointed out, however, it was not the sum total of his entire contribution.

One phenomenon that put Dingle on the map, in addition to Tom and Páidí, was the famous film "Ryan's Daughter". There is a great documentary thereon in which Tom features. He talks about how the film-makers approached him when making the set and asked him whether he had plywood, which was an innovation at the time. Tom said he had and when asked how much he replied he had three sheets. He asked how many were needed and the film-makers said 300. He duly delivered, as he always did, and the set was made. Not only was the famous Oscar-winning film made but Tom became a stand-in for Robert Mitchum. The film put Dingle on the map and attracted visitors thereto from all over the world. Tom made sure there was hospitality and facilities for people to enjoy when they arrived.

Tom brought Charlie Haughey to Dingle and ensured that when he arrived, he had the greatest of friends. Tom and Charlie were genuine friends and there was great warmth between them. I am sure that when former Taoiseach Charles Haughey stepped down, it was a big blow to Tom. Tom, however, continued to serve his community throughout his political career. He always focused on Dingle and his native place, as did Páidí Ó Sé.

The loss of Tom is huge to his family but it is great to see his son Breandán continuing the tradition of public service by putting his name forward for the next election. I hope Charlie, Tom and Páidí are all smiling down on us today. Please God, they will all be present at the count and the celebrations when Breandán gets elected.