Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I extend my sympathy to the Fine Gael party and to the members of former Deputy Liam Burke's family, who are here today. I did not know him, but based on his reputation, I feel that I do. Certainly warm tributes have been paid to him on all sides of the House. As Deputy Rabbitte said, the fact that he apparently did not have an enemy in the House is a fine tribute to him as an individual and as a gentleman. The fact that he won nine elections is significant. As a novice who has only attempted one in my lifetime, I can hold him in the highest esteem. Politics was no easier when he started than it is today. One had to possess a certain degree of toughness and yet his universal popularity is a great credit to the man. I extend my sympathy to the family and his party. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.

See this speech in context