Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the statements of sympathy to the family and friends of Jo Cox, MP. No one who had seen video clips of Jo over the past few days could fail to be impressed by the smiling, bubbly character that she exuded. She was someone who had already walked the walk in helping people at home and abroad through her work with Oxfam and in her constituency.

I am sure that I am not on my own, but I must confess that I had never heard of Jo before last week's tragic events. While it is important that we hear about her now and appreciate her life, it is sad that she did not get more media attention while she was with us. Many people have said that she was a breath of fresh air in politics and the type of person that they would like to see in politics - positive, generous, hard working, dedicated and so much more. What a fantastic ambassador for women in politics she was. So much potential cut short. My sympathy to her husband and children, her extended family and friends, her party and all who knew her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.