David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I am afraid I will not be able to be here at 8 p.m., with the Cathaoirleach's indulgence, I would like to say a few words about the late Martin McGuinness. The following quote came into my mind: "Send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee". Death is always a sad event. I have no difficulty whatsoever in sending my heartfelt condolences to Mr. McGuinness's family. It is always sad for the family. In recent weeks I thought to myself how terribly frail and pathetic he looked on television. It was moving to hear him talk about the decision forced on him to have to leave politics. However, he did have a dark past. He was involved in the murder of Lord Louis Mountbatten. For that reason, it is remarkably gracious of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, to send a personal note to his family. He was involved in the Warrenpoint massacre. He was also involved in persuading a former IRA informer to come back to the North by talking to his mother. Within hours of his arrival, the informer was murdered. In the presidential campaign I said to Mr. McGuinness: "Martin, you did not get that luxurious fleet of buses on the average industrial wage." He laughed. The most important and significant part of his career, however, was the second half - his political and military career when he courageously turned towards the path of peace. Without his intervention, the peace process might not have happened. For that reason, I salute him.

I am also glad to be reminded of the passing of Maureen Haughey who was a remarkably gracious and decent person. She held her dignity throughout a series of assaults on her husband and her family. She stood by him with remarkable fortitude. We are lucky to have such people, not in public life but in supporting public figures. I am happy to add my voice of support in sending a message of sympathy, mine in particular, to her son, Deputy Seán Haughey, who was a decent Member of this House for a while.