Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their kindness, particularly Senator McCarthy. I remember that election trail and have often said that people who have the stamina for a Seanad campaign are made of very stern stuff indeed. When Éamon de Valera wrote the Constitution and envisaged the Seanad electoral system, it was in the days before the general availability of the car. The campaigners then must have been people of iron and steel.

I compliment every Member and am grateful for their comments and kindness in passing the Bill expeditiously.