Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On a sombre note, like all other Senators, I wish to offer my condolences on the tragic death of Cormac Ó Braonáin to the Labour Party and, in particular, his family. All Senators started their political careers as activists at his age. His death is a tragedy for Ireland. The ideas that would have come from him would have made a difference in society. Like others, I wish the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Leader, Ms Orla Murray, and Mr. Martin Groves, Ms Bridget Doody and company all the best for Christmas and thank them for their help, co-operation, indulgence and understanding. Christmas is a time to spend with family. It has been a busy period, particularly for those of our colleagues who had by-elections. I hope that they get a break before the next big one, in which we will all be involved.

A final point about Christmas has to do with the importance of shopping local. Clare County Council and Clare FM in my area ran a fabulous campaign about shopping local. They put a series of videos up on social media that were professionally done. After watching them, one would just want to shop local, they were so good. Every €1 that is spent in small local chemists and gift shops is worth more to our economy, job creation and job retention than spending the same amount in multiples, including internationals, or online.