Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy for the late Sam McAughtry and welcome his daughters, Elaine, Marion and Angela, to the House. I also extend my sympathy to his wife, Phyllis, and extended family.
After the many fine tributes that have been paid to Sam McAughtry, it is very hard to have something new to say about him. Sam was elected to the Twentieth Seanad in a by-election for the industrial and commercial panel. It was an interesting period in our history. For the first time ever, there had been a change of government without an election and John Bruton became Taoiseach in 1994. Two Chathaoirligh also died during that period, 1994 to 1997, Séan Fallon, whose seat Sam took in the by-election, and Liam Naughten, who was killed tragically in a car crash. Every Member respected him. He spoke with authority on several subjects, least of all Northern Ireland. He was chairman and a founding member of the Peace Train Organisation which protested against attacks against the Belfast-Dublin rail link.
He was a writer, broadcaster, columnist with The Irish Timesand a great storyteller. He was also a gentlemen with great wit and integrity. I remember him telling me on one occasion that his first job was in a ladies’ lingerie shop which was probably called a ladies’ underwear shop then. He was very young at the time but did not believe he was really qualified for the job because he had never heard the word “knickers” in public before. He got out of that job as quick as he could. One can imagine the very good job he made telling that story.
Sam McAughtry spoke with great authority in the House. At the time, I was the Government Whip so I had close contact with him. He was very dependable and always turned up for votes.

As Senator Quinn said, he always had a smile on his face. He took his work with great ease and lightly but seriously at the same time. It was a great pleasure to know Sam McAughtry and to have worked closely with him over that period. I would like to be associated with the vote of sympathy to him here today and the tributes that Members have paid to him.