DR PATRICK Hillery was a reserved and unassuming man who made an enormous contribution to our democracy at critical times in the various public offices which he held over a long career in politics. His years as President of Ireland, in the days before spin-doctors and communications experts, have always been underrated. On the benchmark so beloved of others, it can truly be said of him that he did the democratic institutions of this State considerable service in years when the separation of powers were tested to potential breaking point.
Looking through his actions in the important offices which he held throughout his long life - be it as a Minister in different Fianna Fáil governments, negotiating Ireland's entry to the then European Economic Community in 1973, the first Irish Commissioner in the EEC, the unopposed candidate to provide stability to the presidency following the controversy surrounding the resignation of President Cearbhall ÓDálaigh, or his refusal to bow to Fianna Fáil pressure about the dissolution of the Dáil in 1982 - he rose to each occasion and always made the right decision in the public interest.
He was a patriot in the true sense and he would probably be surprised to be described in this way on his death. Such a characterisation, however, would be a particular badge of honour for people of his age and generation.
Dr Hillery made three specific interventions in Irish public life for which he will be remembered. He was minister for external affairs at a divisive time in Fianna Fáil in the immediate wake of the Northern Troubles and the Arms Crisis. He played a key role between the emerging factions in the party. He made the defining speech at the most controversial Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in 1971 when he was asked by the then taoiseach, Jack Lynch, to speak to the delegates. "You can have Boland but you can't have Fianna Fáil", he said.
He will be remembered also for the role he played as commissioner for social affairs after Ireland's entry to the then EEC. He demonstrated his independence, once again, when he refused to bow to pressure from Liam Cosgrave's Fine Gael/Labour coalition to grant Ireland a derogation from the equal pay directive for budgetary reasons.
Yet, the most pivotal test of his independence came during his second term as president when he was put under strong pressure not to grant the then Taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald, a dissolution of the Dáil in 1982 but to call on Charles Haughey to form a Government without an election. He did not allow himself to be suborned at a difficult time in Irish political life.
Above all, Dr Hillery was a decent man and an honourable public servant, worthy of our deepest gratitude and respect. He will have a lasting place in our history.