Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Bernard Markey fought three general elections in the space of 18 months. He won two and lost one. He lost the general election in November 1982 and so spent only a short period in the Dáil. He was a Senator from 1973 until the 1980s and made a distinguished contribution to this House. He was also a member of Louth County Council for 28 years and retired from that body in 1999.

He was deeply rooted in his native Ardee, in the western part of County Louth and in the GAA. He was passionate about his local team and Louth football. He played for County Louth in the 1950s, which was probably not difficult.

(Interruptions).