Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht seal a thabhairt dúinn cúpla focal a rá faoi shaol Maurice Hayes agus comhbhrón a dhéanamh lena chlann atá linn inniu. I thank the Cathaoirleach for this opportunity afforded to Members, not least those of us who were elected after Maurice's time in the Seanad, to reflect not just on his life within this institution but his mammoth input into the life of Ireland, North and South, as has been rightly said. I extend a particular welcome to Maurice's family, who are with us today for what is no doubt a very significant and emotional event for them as well. I am delighted to see the Cathaoirleach in the red and black and I am very conscious of Maurice's role with Down GAA, as was touched on by the Leader. We could certainly do with minds as forensic and as sharp as his in the context of Brexit and all of the trepidation in Irish society. As someone who follows Down GAA, boy could we really do with his mind when it comes to county football as well. Sin scéal eile.

As has been said, over many years Maurice made a significant contribution to the political, cultural and sporting life of Ireland, especially to County Down, as I would unashamedly add. He made an important contribution to the Patten commission on policing and he was Ombudsman for the North. He was a Gaeilgeóir, a Seanadóir in the Oireachtas and, as I mentioned, he has been credited with Down's legendary status in Gaelic football of the 1960s, when they brought the Sam Maguire cup home across the Border for the first time.

I will briefly speak to the surroundings I presume helped to shape the man. Maurice grew up in Killough, which would be very familiar to people from my home. We tend to go there to retreat and clear our heads. It is a particularly scenic and beautiful part of the county. He spent his formative years in Downpatrick. He did not leave and take to other shores but this perhaps instilled in him a missionary spirit of wanting to share abilities, talent and his understanding of the complexities of life in Ireland, as has been mentioned. There is no question that he did that exceptionally well. There is no doubt that while people in the past in his role would have had political and, I am sure, philosophical arguments with Maurice, he understood the complexities of Irish politics in Irish cultural life. He was up for that and it is what is needed. That is what leadership, change and progression is all about. One must have the understanding and act upon that.

Senator McDowell is absolutely right. Whether it has been the case all the way through, it is certainly the case now that what remains unfulfilled and to be done for the Irish nation includes the issue of reconciliation. Maurice Hayes was evident in this through his work, public and private, and in how he lived his life and conducted himself. He was not afraid of that project or progress. I did not know Maurice Hayes personally but I knew of him. In my formative years I saw the formation of the nucleus and emergence of the peace process, which ultimately became a success, and in doing so I knew who Maurice Hayes was. With the onset of years, one can appreciate who Dr. Maurice Hayes was and what he did. He gave an example through his life, not just to his family, community, county and nation but to those of us who now have the privilege to stand here in Seanad Éireann. We must remind ourselves of his life and be thankful of that and what he has given. We must also continue his work.