The long-standing association of the de Valera name with the Fianna Fáil party in Co Clare was marked last night with warm tributes paid to former minister Síle de Valera who is retiring from politics.
At the West County Hotel in Ennis last night, over 800 supporters, colleagues and friends of the 56-year-old Clare TD turned out at a dinner to celebrate her contribution to Irish politics over the last 30 years.
In November 2005, Ms de Valera announced that she would be retiring from politics at the forthcoming election and last December she stepped down as minister of State for education.
Leading the tributes to the former minister was Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who told guests that Ms de Valera's "bravery and sheer persistence in promoting fairness for those less well-off in society has been a constant throughout her time in politics".
Mr Ahern said: "I believe that she can truly say that she stood staunchly by the republican ideals set down by the likes of Wolfe Tone and her grandfather, Eamon de Valera. He added: "There is no doubt with it, the de Valera name carries a responsibility and reputation that is not easy to live up to.
"I believe that Síle de Valera has not only lived up to that reputation set by her grandfather, but in many ways, she has exceeded it." Mr Ahern said: "As a young woman in 1970s Ireland, Síle became involved in politics when there was neither many women nor many young people involved at that time."
The Taoiseach said that Ms de Valera's "dogged persistence and staunch defence of projects here in Clare has consistently proven to be correct".
"As many of you will be aware, both Síle and I entered the Dáil at the same time in 1977. Since then I have come to have huge respect for her passion, her integrity, her ability, and most of all, her unswerving commitment to her constituents.
"Her time as a minister showed her ability to deliver on her commitments. I believe that Síle's legacy will be one of achievement - not just here in Clare, but nationwide," the Taoiseach said.
"For the first time in more than 20 years, Síle de Valera's name will not appear on the ballot paper in Clare. But I can assure you all that her legacy will remain strong in Clare and Irish politics for many years to come," Mr Ahern added.
A commemorative booklet marking Ms de Valera's time in politics was also circulated to guests containing tributes from Tánaiste Michael McDowell, Minister for Health Mary Harney and others including Gary Hynes, Robert Ballagh and Edna O'Brien.
