Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for those kind remarks on Cormac Ó Braonáin, who sadly died on Sunday morning in a tragic accident involving a Luas. He was the chair of Labour Youth, but that was not just what Cormac was - he was more than Labour Youth. He was a great scout leader, a fantastic musician and huge advocate for the Irish language. Recently, he was out campaigning for Gaelscoileanna in Dublin Bay South. By his own account, he was a great footballer. I was not too sure, as he would have a wry smile.

Too often, we undervalue the contribution that young people make to political life and democracy. Cormac was certainly a fantastic member of Labour Youth and the Labour Party. He packed so much into such a short life. He will be truly missed by the Labour Party. Even at this early stage, he had been marked out by many people in the party as a future leader of it, and possibly the first Labour Party Taoiseach. He was of that quality. I do not say that lightly. One need only have met this young man to see his leadership qualities. He could mix with people of all ages and groups. That has been reflected in recent days in what members of all political parties, in particular young members, have had to say about him. He had great respect across all parties. On Sunday night, when there was a short remembrance ceremony in his primary school, members of political parties and none came together in an outpouring of grief in solidarity with his parents. His parents really appreciated those expressions of sympathy, especially from what he would have called his competitors in the political sphere. He certainly enjoyed his politics. He made a mark in Irish society and would have made a far greater one, had he been blessed with a few more years.

I thank the Senator and all political parties for their expression of sympathy to the family and party. He will be sorely missed.