Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Fitzsimons family, whose names are on the record. These are very important occasions in which the Seanad pays tribute to former Members. We stand on the shoulders of giants here and traditions, including interest in the environment, were built by the likes of Jack Fitzsimons and enhanced every day. Senator Norris is the leader of the university group of Senators and has asked me to communicate his condolences. He served with Senator Fitzsimons.

From what we have heard, we know he was practical, principled and a preservationist. Currently we are preparing for the climate change conference in Paris at the end of the month, so interest in the likes of thatched cottages and their preservation is very important.We are interested in growth as well, and they criticised Bungalow Bliss. Dr. Mary Corcoran and Dr. Michel Peillon, in their book, Ireland Unbound, wrote of how Ireland emerged in the early years of the 21st century from poverty and drudgery, and the bungalows were part of that. The sales of 250,000 copies is an immense achievement but it is hardly surprising because Kells today hosts a significant book festival, the Hay Festival, every year.

Of his interest in local history, in Kells, everybody feels that. It is a place of great historical context, huge connotations in music, the great theatre, memorials to the late Maureen O'Hara and the late Dick Farrelly, the composer of the music for "The Quiet Man". It is not surprising he was so proud of Kells and Kilbeg, and as Senator Byrne stated, wrote Kilbeg's history. We acknowledge all of those achievements.

He was a principled man. As for Democracy be damned, one of the things we have had to do in this Seanad is to try and restore democracy because there was such pessimism three or four years ago when the country had to be rescued by the IMF. All of us in public life must restore that trust and confidence, and that includes paying tribute to those who embodied the traditions that we seek to uphold and to further today.

His opposition to hunting and hare coursing would fit with the opinions of many today, and he had the courage to do it, as Senators Mooney and Byrne stated, even in the heart of coursing territory, such as Tipperary. He was a man of principle.

The final point on occasions such as this, which I value very much, is to thank his family. The life of Senators and Deputies demands extremely long hours and the families, wives and children who share Members of the Oireachtas with this House and with Leinster House in general deserve our thanks because it is a life which is, in many cases, not family friendly. We hope the family will feel gratified today that we held the late Jack Fitzsimons in the same esteem in which I am sure they did. I thank them for sharing him with us. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.