Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Those of us on the Independent benches wish to be associated with the condolences offered by the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. While none of us on these benches served with former SenatorO'Higgins it is easy for us, as the Leader of the Opposition said, to salute him and honour the commitment he and his family have given. It is ironic that he should die in the week that there was such a poor turnout in a democratic by-election given the manner in which he and his family, and families on both sides of the House during that period, gave their lives to establish a working safe democracy.

Former Senator O'Higgins decided, with his brother, to pursue a life of public representation despite threats against his family and the assassination of his uncle. This is the commitment to a young State that was required in order to give it legs, autonomy and independence. We offer our condolences to Michael's family and express our thanks for the many years of public service he and generations of his family have given.