Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Green Party-Comhaontas Glas, I note we would like to associate ourselves closely with the thoughtful remarks of condolence to the family and friends of the late Michael O'Kennedy, SC.He had a decorated career in politics and wore it so lightly. I had the privilege of sitting close to him in the Law Library, which was in and of itself a collegiate hotbed. The late Brian Lenihan sat close by, as did Henry Abbott, Willie Penrose and others. He was such a reserved gentleman and a committed European.

I remember once we had a VIP visitor in Coláiste na Rinne i gcontae Phort Láirge. I assume the best china was put out for Michael O'Kennedy, whose son was in the Gaeltacht. He was so accessible to young children. It was at a time when we only had a few channels on television and it was a real red-letter day to have of senior politician visit the college.

I would also like to make a suggestion, if it is appropriate, although maybe it is for another day. We can table a separate motion. Another former Member of the Seanad has passed from this mortal coil and that is the late Jimmy Leonard. Although he had short service in the Seanad, he was a former county councillor and Deputy. The late Jimmy Leonard was a man of deep principle and conviction, and I know that is probably a phrase that has become so well-worn that it loses its effect. We do not see as many conviction politicians as perhaps we did in yesteryear.

I think history will be very kind to him on his stance in leadership battles within his party, which were democratic and fair, and on the Anglo-Irish Agreement, when there was resistance from within his party when it was in opposition. I would like to sympathise with that family. Indeed, his daughter, Ann Leonard, went on to become a Member of this House. His stay in this House was short-lived. Members may recall it was at the time of the election of two people who supported the hunger strikes. I refer to the tragic loss of Kieran Doherty in Cavan-Monaghan and Paddy Agnew, which may have cost Charles Haughey a term in government. Jimmy Leonard was resilient, however. He got back up on the horse and won the next time. From my recollection, Fine Gael had the privilege to appoint the Ceann Comhairle, which reduced that constituency from five to four seats. This would make it much more difficult for Fianna Fáil to hold on but it won three out of four. That was due in no small measure to Jimmy Leonard, although he could not withstand pressure from the republican movement when a hunger striker was elected. He became unstuck on that occasion. He was resilient and an utter gentleman to his fingertips, like Michael O'Kennedy, SC. I would like to convey our sympathies to the families of both of those wonderful people.