John Ellis (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I also express my sincere sympathy with Seán's wife Maura, his daughters Rachel, Leah, Cara and Evelyn, his brothers Kevin and Colm and his sisters Ann, Maria and Philomena.

Seán Doherty and I stood for election together in 1977 and during that election I probably learned more from him about politics than I have learned since. As times changed and we moved on, we became extremely close friends in political and social life. Over the past three years all of us who sat at the round table inside the door in the restaurant often commented that the wit and sharpness of Seán Doherty was missed. It was missed by all his friends and colleagues who sat there on a regular basis.

When we look back on Seán Doherty's career we see someone who served the people of Roscommon and, in his early days, the people of south Leitrim and Roscommon, with unbelievable tenacity. When he got something into his head the idea could not be dislodged. He left his greatest monument when he persuaded a number of us to become actively involved in the Shannon-Erne corridor, which, as far as the people of Roscommon, south Leitrim and Longford are concerned, is the monument to Seán Doherty.

In the passing of Seán Doherty a political legend has left the scene. We were all shocked when told that he had suffered a severe stroke. When I heard it I could not believe it. I extend my sincere sympathy, that of my family, and that of the people of south Leitrim, whom he had the honour to represent from 1977 to 1981. I know he is above, having a wry smile at every one of us, saying that they are arguing down there over things of little importance as far as the world is concerned. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.

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