David Norris (Independent)

I have been asked by my Independent colleagues to speak on their behalf in memory of the former Senator, Richard Hourigan. I do so with sadness because I was unaware of his illness and impending demise.

Unlike the last two speakers, I had the privilege of knowing Richard Hourigan. He was a most delightful and charming man and represented the best of the Fine Gael tradition. Like everybody else, my roots were in the country. My grandfather was an auctioneer and farmer; in fact, he did a little bit of everything. I gather it was similar with Richard. He sat in front of me in the Chamber and was an authority on farming. He was large in body, in mind and sometimes, as he rose to his feet, one wondered if he would really get off the ground, oratorically speaking. It does not surprise me that he won a gold medal for debating and oratory because suddenly this large frame would appear to lift and passion would come into the debate, even late at night. He was an ornament to the House. He is somebody of whom I have fond memories and who will be missed. I send my sympathy and that of my Independent colleagues to his family.

My extremely efficient secretary-PA seems to have used the same research as Senator Hayes which, if I am correct, is Jim Farrelly's Who's Who in Irish Politics, 1990-1991, an authoritative book which describes Mr. Hourigan as "an able, witty speaker who is extremely knowledgeable on farming and on farmer politics". That is the kind of person we always needed in this House. I have often criticised the method of election to the Seanad and I am afraid that I can be a bit snotty about it sometimes.