David Norris (Independent)

One used to hear mention of the "real Taoiseach", this is the real Tony O'Reilly as far as I am concerned. The House will not be the same without him. He makes the clichés real. While we often hear tributes such as "Ní fheicfimid a leithéid ann arís," it is true on this occasion – I do not believe we will see his like again. While I am sure we will see someone excellent take his position, it will be a different kind of excellence as Tony O'Reilly is unique. He is always in good humour, courteous, helpful and immaculately turned out. He has a very special talent of making it appear that one is important when one has a guest in the House and impresses the blazes out of him or her. That is a great talent. He has mastered the art of being deferential without any loss of his dignity and worth.