Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Much has already been said. Senator Diarmuid Wilson has captured what most of us feel and think. I first got to know John Carty outside politics, when neither of us was a councillor, Senator or anything else. I was involved in the beef export business and most of the product we exported came from a plant in Baltinglass, County Wicklow. Once or twice a year, John and Paddy O’Hara used to travel from County Mayo to relieve some of the agricultural officers normally based there. We developed a good friendship and I used to enjoy his visits very much. Outside the political sphere he was always a saint of reason. The beef export business, meat factories and production facilities can often be full of pressure and highly charged environments. I was young then and as somebody who was there to regulate, oversee and ensure things were done correctly, he was always a source of calm, support and knowledge. That was the first introduction I had to him.

Later, in 2002, John was elected to the Dáil and I, with then Senator Eamon Scanlon, Senator Diarmuid Wilson and so many others, to the Seanad. Later John joined us in the Seanad. It is almost impossible to be universally popular in politics. No matter how any of us might try, hope or wish, it is always a step too far. It is something one either has or has not. I do not know of anybody else who had that ability except for John. It did not matter how robust the debate, how severe the criticism or how damning one's opponent was in the cut and thrust of politics, he could disarm his opponent or, if he was dishing it out, the person on the receiving end was most accepting and realised there was merit in whatever he had to say. While I would not have said John talked too much, when he had something to say, it mattered. He understood people, their value and what it meant. This is the essence of politics and why he knew and contributed more than most.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú mentioned that John had been a custodian of rural Ireland, which is true. Given that he came from an agricultural regulatory background and rural and regional Ireland, John knew more than many about it and ensured it was kept on the agenda.

As Senator Wilson said, his last contribution was on trying to save the 150 jobs in Mayo County Council. Whatever rural pursuit or initiative, John Carty always championed that cause. Many Ministers in difficult and better days had the benefit of John's expertise, knowledge and counsel at parliamentary party meetings or privately over a cup of coffee or a drink. They were lucky to have that and they used it in designing legislation or influencing a decision. The credit has never been mentioned but it ought to be. The contribution was unwritten and unsaid but should never be forgotten.

I have been a Member since 2002 and at no time do I remember as many people queueing to speak or so many people in both galleries. It is a small but important testament to the great man John was and is and how proud his family rightly are of his contribution and achievements over the years. In a sentence, John Carty was all graces and no airs and may he rest in peace.