John Carty (Fianna Fail)

I wish to pay tribute to the late Séamus Dolan and to sympathise with his wife, Bríd, and the family. Although I did not serve in this House with Séamus, I knew him quite well during the mid-1970s when I worked in Killeshandra, County Cavan. I met him each morning as he came in to Reynolds's post office on the main street to purchase the Irish Press, which at the time we described as the truth in the news. I then had a good interest in politics, which I of course retain, and he would tell me all that was happening in Dublin, as well as about some of the antics of the great Members from my native county. We then would go across to Jim Hayes in the Royal, where we would have a cup of tea and I would hear about everything. From that perspective, I knew him quite well and maintained my friendship with him right up to the end, as well as with his wife, Bríd, and his daughter, who accompanied him everywhere he went. He continued to attend Ard-Fheiseanna right up to the end, demonstrating his wonderful interest in politics, in Fianna Fáil and in his country, as has been stated.

Earlier, I listened to either his grandchild or great-grandchild in the Public Gallery, who was making a bit of noise. I recall that Jimmy Farrelly, who also died last year, told me that together with the late John Wilson, he was a great platform speaker and at a time without amplification or modern technology, they could be heard above everyone else. Consequently, it was nice to hear that child cutting his teeth in the House by making a bit of noise. Please God, the day may come when he will be a Member either of this House or the Lower House. I again extend my sincere sympathy to Bríd and the family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.