Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Leader of the House and on behalf of my Fine Gael colleagues, I am privileged to lead the tributes to the late Senator John Carty, who sadly passed away after a short illness this time last year almost to the day, on 30 January. I would like to express my sincere sympathy and that of the House to John's family - to his wife Kathleen, his sons, daughters, grandchildren and wider family - many of whom are here today. I welcome each and every one of them to the Chamber.

John was a Member of the 23rd Seanad, from 2007 to 2011. Along with some other Members here today, I was fortunate to serve with him during those years. He was also a well-respected member of the lower House representing the people of Mayo from 2002 to 2007. There were many heart-felt tributes paid to John on his passing last year and it is only right that we also do so here in the Seanad. In many of those tributes, John was described as one of nature's gentlemen, and I could not argue with those words. He was a very honourable man and I know he was exceptionally proud to be elected by the people of Mayo and, indeed, to be elected to this House.

John took his role as an elected representative in both the Dáil and the Seanad very seriously and worked tirelessly for his constituents at all times. Having worked as an agricultural officer for many years before entering politics, it was no surprise that he had a particular commitment to the agricultural and business communities in his work as a Deputy and a Senator.

I would like to thank Kathleen and the Carty family for making the journey from Knock and indeed many other places to join us here this afternoon. Personally, I am very proud to say I was a friend of John Carty. Politics never entered into it between us, and when John came to Dublin after 2011, he would always give me a call and let me know he was on his way. We would have a glass of lemonade or maybe something stronger, and discuss the things that had happened, catch up on all the news and reminisce about times past.

John was a great friend to many of us in this House. At his funeral, Ciara quoted Shakespeare in her tribute to her dad, "Good-night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to they rest". I have no doubt that John is looking down on us today, on his family and friends. I would like again to convey my sincere sympathies to Kathleen and all the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.