John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I am delighted to be associated with this tribute to Paddy Behan, who has served us so loyally and well for 36 years in Leinster House. In many ways, he epitomises the ideal man who can "meet with triumph and disaster, And treat those two imposters just the same", as depicted in Rudyard Kipling's poem If. Paddy has all the qualities listed in the poem and he has been professional in everything he has done. He could write a book, as Senator Brian Hayes suggested, and it would make very interesting reading. I understand he has given a commitment to bring the secrets to the grave with him. There was a great sigh of relief around the Houses when he made that statement.

He has been a father figure to all of us. When one comes in the gates of Leinster House for the first time one can be quite intimidated. Paddy has always been able to put us at our ease. It never ceases to fascinate me how, when each new intake arrives, everybody is known. One presents oneself at the desk and does not have to say who one is. It takes a great deal of effort and homework to do that. We are all very grateful to him for the assistance he has given us. It is unusual in any walk of life not to hear people speak ill of others but it is quite unique in this place and I have never heard anybody speak ill of Paddy.

His sporting achievements have been listed but one aspect has not been mentioned, namely, the way he looked after the Oireachtas rugby team which has been playing for 12 years or so. It plays an annual fixture against the Houses of Lords and Commons among others, and has been to the World Cup. Paddy was the manager, masseur, minder of the money and the fixer of the scrapes. By scrapes I do not mean those on the field but those off the field. For all of that I thank him and assure him that the tickets will continue to be available to him for Lansdowne Road. We hope he enjoys those, and that he and his family enjoy his retirement.