Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On my behalf and that of Sinn Féin, I extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of former Teachta Peter Kelly, who passed away in January this year. Peter was an elected Member of this House until 2011 but unfortunately I never had the honour of meeting him as I only entered the House in that year. Having listened to the stories of the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Micheál Martin and the Taoiseach, I am sure if I had met him, he would have passed on great wisdom to young Deputies like me at the time coming into the Chamber. Deputy Martin is correct as we see many stressed faces, and not just at times of election. I have probably aged approximately 20 years since coming here despite being a Member for less than half that time. An old school politician who was able to balance family and political life, as well as his personal time for interests and hobbies, is somebody from whom we could all probably learn. We could all probably learn to take ourselves a little less seriously, particularly in this Chamber, as life can be very short. I again express sympathy on my behalf and that of my party to Peter's family, his wife, Maura, his children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace.

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