Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

His service as Minister of State facilitated the leap from analogue to digital technology. In many ways, we moved very quickly from a very Third World telecommunications infrastructure to what was a First World infrastructure.

There are many stories about his passionate support for Charles Haughey. Many people think this Dáil is bizarre, but it is calm in comparison with some of the Dáileanna of that era. The Irish Independentreferred to his role in the election of the Taoiseach in 1982:

Killilea would again come to Haughey's rescue, although he had lost his seat in Galway in 1982, having switched to a new constituency because of boundary changes. When it came to a crucial vote for Taoiseach in the new government, Killilea was among those who thronged Leinster House to see whether the hung Dáil would vote Haughey or his nemesis Garret FitzGerald into the Taoiseach's office.

The vote was so tight nobody really knew the outcome - and it seemed to be swinging away from Haughey when a farcical situation developed as three Workers' Party TDs, who had pledged to vote for Haughey, were hampered by the crowds on the main staircase from getting into the chamber before the division bells rang and the doors were locked from the inside, leaving them stranded.

Killilea's experience of the layout of Leinster House was invaluable. "This way, lads," he shouted and led them through a doorway to the press gallery, from which the three TDs were able to jump into the Distinguished Visitors Gallery - to the surprise of Maureen Haughey and various ambassadors seated there - and then into the chamber.

They were then able to vote for Haughey, who was elected Taoiseach...

To Mark Killilea's great satisfaction, Charles Haughey was elected Taoiseach. A Deputy needs guile, wit, knowledge and wisdom to operate well in this House. All of those attributes were amply demonstrated during Mark Killilea's honourable service here. It was my privilege to have known him. He has served our nation with great distinction.

I did not mention his European service, which was even more renowned. He served in the European Parliament. To be elected one of the five quaestors of the European Parliament is important because they look after the affairs of the MEPs. MEPs are rather discerning about who they trust to look after their own affairs. This is clear from the fact that only five are elected, while this week we are going to elect 14 vice presidents of the European Parliament. Those from the entire body across all the nations trusted their well-being and welfare in the hands of Mark Killilea. That speaks greater volumes of praise than I can muster.

I offer my condolences to Anne and Mark's children, Eidín, Niamh, Deirbrin, Niall, Donagh, Medbh and Eimhín, as well as to his sisters Brid and Vera. We remember Mark, his son, who died tragically in 2009. To all of his family and the friends and acquaintances of this great individual I send the condolences of the Labour Party.

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