Political life will "further degenerate" unless politicians "begin to show courage", the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Ms Síle de Valera told her Fianna Fáil party colleagues yesterday.
Speaking at the Memorial Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill "in memory of Eamon de Valera and all deceased members of the Fianna Fáil Organisation", Ms de Valera said her grandfather's "greatest legacy was his belief in politics as a noble profession which served the people and not the politician.
"Principle was the over-riding factor for de Valera. De Valera was never duplicitous.
"His word was his bond. He is remembered as being honest, honourable, polite and very courteous in his dealings. He pursued a clearly defined vision with integrity.
"If we are to once again engender faith, trust and support for the political process among the general public we politicians must begin to show courage and revert to these basic principles.
"Otherwise political life will further degenerate and no-one could blame cynics for being in the majority.
"This would be the greatest disservice to our democracy and the greatest disservice to the people we are here to honour today", Ms de Valera said.