Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other Senators in expressing sympathy with a former Senator and the current Minister, Deputy Katherine Zappone, on the very sad passing of her wife, Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan. The tribute Senator Ruane paid in writing to her is one we should read and reflect on. I pay tribute to Ann Louise on a life well lived as a fearless campaigner, advocate and educator, and as somebody who believed in giving to society. In her own life, she was an ambassador for all things that are good about Ireland in terms of the power of education, the importance of campaigning and the strength of love.I pay tribute to her and sympathise with the Minister on her very sad loss. We are with her in spirit and stand in support with her. I thank Senators for their remarks on what was a very sad day last week for the Minister, Deputy Katherine Zappone, and the family of Ann Louise Gilligan. All of us will, in our own way, pay tribute quietly to the Minister, Deputy Zappone, as well.

I thank Senators for their congratulations to the new Taoiseach, Cabinet, Attorney General and Ministers of State, including Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran. Senators Ardagh, Boyhan, Conway-Walsh, Bacik, Gallagher, Craughwell and Colm Burke raised the matter of the appointment of the former Attorney General. I begin by joining Senator Colm Burke in outlining that 16 of the 29 previous Attorneys General of various types and hues have been appointed to judicial positions either here at home or in the European courts. It is a question of competency. The Government's prerogative is to appoint judges. It is important that we not rush to populism. When I hear members of Fianna Fáil in particular speaking about stroke politics and cronyism, I wonder whether they are the same ones who were silent when their own people were appointed by their party leader while he was a Minister. I ask Senators to reflect on the number and type of people who were appointed to boards and other positions.