Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was beginning to think I was in a scene from "Julius Caesar" given the mixture of praising and burying that has been going on. It can be difficult to separate the man from the party and the policies. My main criticism about the policies could be encapsulated in the slogan, "Keep the recovery going" because we know the recovery was not felt by so many people and that there were constituencies and areas - part of which I represent - which suffered most considerably with the savage cuts in community, youth and addiction services. While difficult decisions and sacrifices had to be made, it was regrettable that the sacrifices were on the part of those who could least suffer them.

I have been here eight years, so when it comes to separating the man from the party and the policies in those eight years I will remember the Taoiseach as Opposition leader first and then as Taoiseach, as somebody who was always personable, friendly, approachable, somebody with great energy and, very importantly, somebody with a sense of humour. Ní féidir gan aitheantas a thabhairt do chumas Gaeilge an Taoisigh agus an chaoi a mbain sé úsáid as an nGaeilge.

One of the most moving moments here was the apology to the ladies of the Magdalen laundries. Of course it was an apology that should never have been made, but yet the Taoiseach made it and he did it in a way that they found very satisfactory. I also acknowledge the Taoiseach's personal involvement in the north-east inner city over the past horrible time that the residents and communities have been suffering there. I know it was appreciated by them the way in which the Taoiseach engaged, the way in which he came out and the way in which he understood the anxieties and tensions for the people there, especially children and the elderly. He listened and he took on board what was happening. I trust his successor will also continue that part of his legacy. Críochnóidh mé le seanfhocal: uaireanta, is é an bóthar is faide an bóthar is casta. The Taoiseach has had a very long road. There have been lots of twists and turns and I wish him well on whatever road he will take from here on in.

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