Tributes were paid in the Dail and Seanad yesterday to former Democratic Left senator and Wexford councillor, Mr Michael Enright (45), who died in the crash.
Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, said members of his party had been deeply shocked by his tragic death. "Michael Enright was a valued colleague and much-loved member of Democratic Left, who was admired and respected right across the political spectrum."
Born in Ennis, Co Clare, Mr Enright was a teacher at Kilmuckridge Vocational School in Co Wexford. He was a former member of the Town of Wexford Vocational Educational Committee and had served as one of the nominees of the former Taoiseach, Mr John Bruton, in the Seanad between June and August this year. Mr Enright had been a member of Teastas, the Irish National Certification Authority, since it was set up in 1995 and was co-founder of the Wexford and New Ross centres for the unemployed. He also spearheaded the Wexford campaign for the abolition of domestic water charges.
He was elected to Wexford Corporation in 1985 and was a member of the executive of Democratic Left. Mr Enright joined the Labour Party in 1973, standing for the Socialist Labour Party in the local elections of 1979. He joined the Workers' Party in 1982. His political beliefs were influenced by working in a US factory and within the trade union movement. He was officer of Wexford Council of Trade Unions. The Minister for Education and Science, Mr al Martin, said Mr Enright had made an exceptional input into public life and Irish education and his unique contribution would be sadly missed.
Democratic Left TD Ms Liz McManus yesterday described Mr Enright as a "sparkling" character and said his loss was a huge blow to Democratic Left as he was central to policy development.
Ms MacManus said Mr Enright had left many legacies and said she was sure he would be glad if one of these would lead to greater safety on the road.
Mr Enright was returning home from a meeting of the Teastas board in Dublin when the accident occurred. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughters, Keira (18) and Karla (14).