Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D. at the launch of ‘Kingstown Republican – a memoir by David Andrews’ in the Merrion Hotel, Dublin 2 on Wednesday, 14 November at 7.00 p.m.
It is an honour and a great privilege to be invited here this evening to launch a book by one of Ireland’s foremost Statesmen and most well thought of politicians of this generation.
This evening gives us all - members of the Dáil, the Seanad, the civil service, the legal profession, the press and the general Irish public - an opportunity to reflect on David Andrews’ full life and distinguished political career.
At the outset, I would like to thank and congratulate David, all at New Island books and everybody involved in the production of this very attractive book for bringing the Irish public a very engaging and insightful publication.
I would also take this opportunity to thank David’s wife Annette, and his children Dave, Barry, Mary, Sinead and Claire for the years of support and encouragement that they gave to David in his life and in politics.
I know that this book is the product of many hours. These are hours mixing much reminiscence and reflection on decisions which have had a profound influence, both here at home, and abroad.
Although I have only had an opportunity to read a number of pages and review some of the superb pictures, I can see that David has comprehensively covered his life and times since his early days growing up in Dundrum.
Being the son of the great Todd Andrews meant that David was engaged in political life from his early years. The early chapters of the book give an overview of the influences that shaped him as a man and as a politician.
Along with the huge influence of his father and mother, David as a youngster was privileged to meet with many of the giants of Fianna Fáil and of Irish politics.
Names such as Aitken, Childers, Lemass and De Valera all feature in this book and give a measure as to the extensive experience and background that David Andrews brought to politics.
For those of us who know David well, it is the early chapters of this book which will be the most engaging and revealing.
From his time holidaying in his youth in Connemara, to his schooling in Parnell Square, then in Roscrea, then UCG, UCD, and Kings Inns, one could not say that David Andrews was ever someone to sit still.
It was pointed out to me with interest the reference that David makes to a certain member of the current Cabinet being the brightest fellow to ever come out of Roscrea College ………….
I can only say that I am glad that this same bright fellow is on my team and I am privileged to have him as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.
Along with tales of Roscrea, Galway and Dublin, David also traces his early sporting prowess. On the soccer, rugby and GAA fields, it would seem that David showed himself to be quite the sportsman. For what I have heard, I understand that this is becoming a bit a family trait, with TD’s Barry and Chris becoming key players on the Oireachtas soccer team.
And it was this early life that David led, including his time in London, which began to form and foster a man with an immense social conscience. It was this conscience that became David’s hallmark in later life as a TD and as a Minister.
Elected on his first time out in 1965, David Andrews set out on a career representing the interests of the people of Dun Laoghaire through four decades.
I know from years of visiting towns like Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire of the huge respect and affection that David is held in by the people of that constituency. His popularity crossed all sections of society and his contribution to developing the area will be long remembered.
This book shows the new approach and youthful energy which David Andrews, along with his wife Annette and his loyal team, brought to the doorsteps. He made sure that the less well-off in society were given their say and to this day they remember him for the voice which he gave to them in Leinster House.
This book also gives a tremendous insight into the mind of a constituency politician and how those politicians can play such a positive role in developing and strengthening vibrant communities.
Of course, much of the focus which will be put on this book will be on the many stories – both serious and humorous – on the life that exists within Leinster House, the Parliamentary Party rooms and in Ministerial offices.
I have no doubt that this book will be found in the Christmas stockings of thousands of political anoraks throughout the country. Memoirs such as these do help to give a great insight into the working of politics and Government. Obviously, many people are able to tell a story, but only a few were well positioned and understanding as David Andrews to tell ones contained in this book.
David was always forthright in his views on issues. From his campaigns for worthy causes such as the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four and Brian Keenan to his work to help the Third World, David was always interested only in making a change – and more importantly making a change for the better.
Now, I know that it is no secret that David may not have always gotten on well with a certain former Taoiseach. Indeed, I understand he sets out in the book the unique relationship which he had with Mr. Haughey. Despite this less than loving relationship, you can always say that David Andrews was a Fianna Fáil man to the bone and despite his differences, stood by the Party – through thick and thin.
It was this loyalty to Fianna Fáil which was rewarded in 1992 when he became a Cabinet Minister. Despite some turbulent times, David straight away showed himself to be a hugely able Minister and he made decisions which did save many lives. I refer particularly to his courageous work for Somalia during that period.
When I became Taoiseach in 1997, I was delighted to appoint David as a Minister and his influence and his capability was invaluable in making decisions in those early years as Taoiseach.
And I think it was in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs that I will best remember David as we worked side by side in our efforts to secure peace on this island.
I know that David has gone into great depth on the huge work and effort that we carried out on securing the agreement from all sides of the community in the North. Throughout the tough times, David showed a patient and wise approach to moving the deeply held positions of every side.
This evening, I would like to thank David, and pay a warm tribute to him, for the immense contribution which he made to bringing peace to this island.
It is achievements such as those which will ensure that this book will become a valuable resource to historians and an insightful read for people with an interest in modern Irish life.
This book charts the life and times of a man who dedicated his life to the service of his constituents and to this country. It catalogues and places in context many of the most momentous periods in Fianna Fáil and in Irish politics going back over four decades.
I know this evening is one where we can celebrate the life of David Andrews. This evening, however, also gives us a moment to reflect and remember Niall Andrews who is now gone from us just over a year. I know that Niall would have relished an occasion such as this evening and I have no doubt that he is looking proudly down on David joined by two Andrews TDs – Chris and Barry.
But as I said, this evening is an evening for celebration. I am delighted to launch this book and I would recommend it as the perfect gift to anyone with even a passing interest in the goings on within Irish politics and Irish life.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
ENDS