Taoiseach and President lead tributes to Nicky

The Taoiseach and the President have led tributes to the late Nicky McFadden.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his sadness at the death of the Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, saying:

“I think I speak for everyone in the House when I say we are devastated by the suffering and the passing of Nicky McFadden.

“But if we are, we are also uplifted by Nicky’s magnificent courage, by her insight into this journey and her ability to make some kind of sense, even accord, with the savage uncertainty of life as lived.

“That she passed away on the Feast of the Annunciation is somehow appropriate because today she begins her new life, free of the suffering that marked her last months on this earth.

“She brings her goodness with her to that place of life and light beyond the darkness. Nicky was a woman of great joy and I know she will bring that joy with her to her new life, her new place.

“I would like to send my deepest sympathy to her children, Caren and Eoin, and to all her family and many friends.”

Meanwhile President Michael D. Higgins said: “I have with sadness just heard of the death of Deputy Nicky McFadden. She made an outstanding contribution as a Senator and Deputy and showed immense courage in continuing her public service after having been diagnosed with a serious illness.

'All of our thoughts at this time are with her family, friends and constituents in Longford-Westmeath.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.