'Unassuming patriot' set standards in public service

SEANAD:MEMBERS ON both sides of the House spoke admiringly of former president Patrick Hillery as a statesman and politician who had set standards which everyone in public service should strive to emulate.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said Dr Hillery was undoubtedly assured a place in Ireland's history for the enormous contribution he had made to the progress of the country. "For 40 years, he was at the cutting edge of Irish public life and set an unsurpassable standard of integrity and decency. He was a true and unassuming patriot who, in his time, made a noble contribution to the well-being of our country."

Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael leader in the Seanad, said peace on this island and our membership of the EU were two highly significant areas in which Dr Hillery had played an important and, at times, pivotal role. It was now acknowledged that his efforts to highlight the conflict in Northern Ireland had marked the beginning of an international involvement in finding and securing peace in Ireland - North and South.

Joe O'Toole (Ind) said Dr Hillery had left a mark at various levels of public life in western Europe. He had also been a person who had shown a steely determination, particularly at a time of very difficult developments in Northern Ireland. He was a role model for everyone in political life on how to move from local politics and professional activity to the highest level of government.

Alex White (Lab) said the death of Dr Hillery marked the passing of another member of that extraordinary generation of Irish politicians, people who had been born immediately after independence and who had come to prominence in the middle part of the last century. "I think it can absolutely be said of that generation and in particular of him that his commitment to politics and to public service was motivated by nothing other than a sense of duty and a sense of honour in serving one's country."

Fiona O'Malley (PD) said that in some ways one lamented that the kind of public service given by Dr Hillery's generation was thought of as being different. This should not be the case. They should look to the example that he had set and be no different in terms of their standards in public service and their dedication to their country.

Deirdre de Burca (Green Party) described Dr Hillery as an exemplary public servant and a role model for everyone in politics today. He deserved their respect and gratitude. He had done the democratic institutions of this State considerable service in the years when the separation of powers had been tested to potentially breaking-point.

Feargal Quinn (Ind), who was a neighbour of the Hillerys for many years, said it impressed him greatly that Dr Hillery had no airs and graces. "He was a customer of mine. He came in and did the shopping. I remember meeting him on the very day that it was announced that he was going to become president. He was chatting to customers and continued to do so."

Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan said Dr Hillery's contribution to public life had been immense. "How many citizens have been beneficiaries of his enlightened policies in the many portfolios he held?"

A minute's silence was observed and the sitting was adjourned as a mark of respect.