Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

The former Deputy, Jackie Healy-Rae, was most anxious to ensure that we expressed our sympathies on Brian Lenihan's sad passing. When I first came into this House a few months ago he was extremely kind, warm and welcoming to me and I appreciated that very much. His constituency and Ireland have lost a brilliant, hard-working and dedicated politician. His family have lost a caring and loving son, husband, father and brother.

The Lenihan family are highly thought of the length and breadth of this country. In County Kerry in particular they are highly regarded as his aunt, the former Deputy Mary O'Rourke, spent a great deal of time holidaying in the county. They were very well respected.

I sympathise with Deputy Micheál Martin, the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, as Brian was an extremely committed party man. I also sympathise with all of his colleagues who worked with him during the different Administrations.

Jackie Healy-Rae asked me to record Brian Lenihan's kindness, ability to do his job and helpfulness to everybody in this Chamber. When he was riding high in the Government he was also very kind to everyone in all quarters of the House.

Life is very short for all of us but we must try to pack whatever living we can into each day, and Brian Lenihan did that. He did not waste time. He used every minute to the betterment of his constituency, his country and everybody he encountered. May he rest in peace.

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