An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2021-09-30
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David P.B. Norris (IND), University of Dublin

Yes, and I very much appreciate the kindness of the Cathaoirleach.
I learned in the last few days of the death of Mervyn Taylor. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a quintessential liberal. As a Minister, he spoke out and acted decisively on contraception, which was a challenging discussion at that time. He was the first Jewish Cabinet Minister in Ireland. He was also a chairman of the Labour Party. He was devoted, of course, to Israel. The only difference that I had with him was when I spoke out on behalf of the human rights of the Palestinians but that was soon reconciled and covered over.
I was several times entertained by him and his wife at dinner. I remember him with great affection and respect. I would like to send my sympathy to his wife, Marilyn, and to his children, Adam, Gideon and Maryanne. I remember him with affection.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:49:38+00:00
Sitting date: 2021-09-30