Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am privileged to lead the tributes to the late Sam McAughtry, a former Senator, who sadly passed away in March of this year. I would like to welcome to the Visitors Gallery his daughters Elaine, Marion and Angela. I express my sincere sympathy and that of the House to all his family and friends, who I am sure miss him dearly.

As a member of the industrial and commercial panel, Sam was elected to the 20th Seanad in a by-election in 1996 and served in this House until the end of that term. I wondered - I mentioned it to Senator Quinn and others - how Sam managed to be elected in a by-election, which is usually dominated by the political parties. I think the Government parties at the time backed Sam's election. Looking at the by-election results, he secured 115 of the 221 votes cast. He was a very valuable Member of the House.

Outside his political life in Seanad Éireann, Sam McAughtry had many strings to his bow. I understand he left school at the tender age of 14 and joined the Royal Air Force, in which he served for a number of years.

He subsequently joined the Northern Ireland civil service. Perhaps Sam will be most notably remembered for his fruitful career as a broadcaster, journalist and writer. His voice frequently graced the airwaves of BBC Northern Ireland and his words frequently appeared in the columns of The Irish Times, among other publications. Some of his best known works includeThe Sinking of the Kenbane Head, McAughtry's Warand On the Outside Looking In, A Memoir.
Born in a loyalist community in Belfast, throughout his life, Sam was an advocate of peace and North-South relations. His passion for peace was illustrated in his speech on the day he was introduced to the Seanad, when he stated: "it is my dearest wish to see this island inhabited by 5 million Irish people, living in two jurisdictions with consent, but with institutions established to emphasise their Irishness."
Sam was a great storyteller who was blessed with great wit. His artistic contribution served to enrich the lives of all those who knew him, at home and abroad. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.