Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To Bernie, Fiachra, Emmett, Fionnuala and Grainne, we extend our sympathies. They have lost a husband, a father, a grandfather. We have seen the passing of an extraordinary Irish man.He was a man who negotiated with the British in his early 20s and who fought the British. Those who opposed him saw him as a worthy adversary as well as the enemy. He was a man who thought about the future. Then, when it was time to sue for peace and when it was necessary for a ceasefire he was able to make the journey.

He saw events like Bloody Sunday and the treatment of his fellow citizens in Derry. As anyone would, he took up the struggle that had been taken up by many in previous generations. When necessary, he went through the negotiation process and led it. He shook hands with the Queen when many questioned whether he should. As ever, he was a man ahead of his time. He sought equal rights and opportunity as well as equality. Many have said that he made an extraordinary journey. While that is true, it is equally true that he led others on an extraordinary journey and that journey continues today.