Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

On behalf of the Labour Party, I too acknowledge the professional service of Mr. Des Edwards through the years and thank him for his courtesy. On behalf of my party, I had the opportunity to attend, with the Ceann Comhairle, the retirement celebrations for Mr. Frank Lane and Mr. Paddy Behan. I am beginning to think the entire matter is a ruse to allow the Superintendent to make long speeches on these occasions.

If it is really the case that Des Edwards, despite his appearance, has reached retirement age, I wish him every happiness in that retirement. Upon returning to the House after interview with the people at approximate intervals of three and a half years to find many colleagues missing on each occasion, it was a great comfort that Des Edwards seemed to go on forever. His courtesy has been unfailing and I thank him for his service to the Houses of the Oireachtas and wish him well in retirement.

See this speech in context