Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today is 31 January. This day in 1984 is one that I and, indeed, the people that knew and loved Ann Lovett and the community of Granard will never forget. It is much talked about in the media today because it is the 40th anniversary. I saw a comment on X this morning from the National Women's Council, once again using Ann's death as some sort of political football. I do not think anybody can ever understand the pain, hurt and trauma the people that loved and knew Ann and the community of Granard have suffered. It is interesting that none of the media could find anybody in Granard to talk to in recent weeks when the anniversary was coming upon us.

This is the time to let Ann and her baby, and her sister, Patricia, who took her own life three months later, rest. I will always hold her close in my heart. It is the last time I will mention her in the Chamber because I believe it is time. It is time to let her go. I ask the media, and all the groups that feel Ann Lovett's name can be taken as some sort of political football to further their cause, to stop. Let Ann rest in peace and let this be the last day. Let us try to heal from the awful tragedy that happened on this day in January 1984.