Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Green Party, An Comhaontas Glas, we closely associate ourselves with the remarks of the Cathaoirleach and previous speakers in conveying our deepest sympathy to Senator Currie and her family on the sad passing of Austin Currie. Austin was a fearless voice and an advocate of equality. Articulating those views at that time meant putting one's life in peril. It is only a short few decades ago, but it is worth noting that he was not silenced nor were others in the SDLP, despite coming under attack from extremes in loyalism and republicanism.

There are different shades of green. Austin Currie may not have been the deepest shade of green, but perhaps the deepest shade of green is a galloping green that strives to achieve and realise a legitimate dream, but in the efforts of striving so harshly, at times it can prove counterproductive. Austin Currie did not believe in rushing. He came from a place whose only crime, which caused the SDLP trouble at the time, was a consent principle and to espouse the dream of a united Ireland exclusively by peaceful means.

It is also worth noting that another member of the SDLP, Gerry Fitt, was hounded out of his constituency in west Belfast. They shouted at him, "Fitt the Brit". What did he ever do? I accept he took a peerage and many people here might not like to take a peerage. While it is not something I would do, perhaps in taking the peerage he reached out to the other community. Margaret Ritchie also took a peerage and people from the nationalist community might find it hard to accept that. In a sense, from a different prism, that may be a form of reconciliation.

Austin Currie was also involved in what many would regard as the most bruising presidential election campaign. The father of the House might disagree. He would like the bragging rights of having been involved in a far more bruising presidential election campaign. I close my remarks by mentioning the father of this House. I commend the Independent grouping's beautiful and appropriate initiative to acknowledge the ongoing and selfless work of a public representative who has made his mark nationally and internationally.