Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Barry family, many of whom I consider very good friends, and I express continued sympathies. I am from the adjoining constituency and those from Cork will know that most of the great things from Cork come from the north side. That includes Peter Barry as it is where he grew up. I had the pleasure, as Lord Mayor, of proposing him for the freedom of the city, and there was a really strong sense in the council at the time that there was cross-party support for what Peter Barry had done for our charities, our community groups and particularly our sporting organisations as well as what he achieved in politics. He was a great mentor to all of us, not least me in an adjoining constituency, dealing with big beasts like Bernard Allen and Liam Burke. His legacy to the people of Cork and politics means we are left in a much stronger position by virtue of Peter's presence.

I concur with what has been said. During my term as Lord Mayor, two people gave me the same advice. One was a sitting Minister for foreign affairs and one was a former Minister. They were Deputy Martin and Peter Barry. They told me the best job I would have in politics would be Lord Mayor and I should enjoy it while I had it because it gets much rougher after that. As Deputy Ó Laoghaire and others have said, Peter Barry and others have shown politics in a good light, and sometimes when we get into a robust debate, it is good to remember that no matter where one comes from, it is always worthwhile being a gentleman.

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