Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of my wife Frances and three sons, I join Deputies' expressions of sympathy and extend my condolences to Noreen and her daughters, Catherine and Emma. Liam Burke was, to say the least, a legend in Cork and in this House. I am not sure if it has been mentioned but we christened Liam Burke "the silver fox" many years ago because of his legendary wisdom and understanding and his ability to bring people of all sides together. As a member of Cork City Council, he displayed great wisdom and a profound knowledge of how local government worked.

I became friendly with Liam Burke during a trip to Germany with the Leader of the Seanad and we developed a good understanding of each other. Deputies may not believe it but he once asked me to join the Fine Gael Party, albeit before I joined the Fianna Fáil Party.

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