Garret Fitzgerald was a genuinely decent man who was much loved.
He was also a courageous and visionary political leader who worked hard to bring Ireland into the 20th century.
He was particularly courageous in taking on the power of the Catholic Church by way of his constitutional crusade.
In a real democracy he would be seen as an exceptional politician.
Measured by the very low standards in Irish political life he was a giant among midgets.
Although he was mockingly called “Garret the Good” by journalist John Healy – a reputed Haughy groveller – it is a fitting appellation for a decent man.