Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I join in the tributes to the late Liam Burke. I got to know him in 1977 when we were both elected to the Seanad. We often met on the journey to Dublin and developed a friendship which proved long lasting. We had many a joke and in a hostelry in Cork on the evening of his funeral a joke on the subject of potatoes, or spuds as they were called, was recalled.

Liam and I had other interests in common including horseracing and greyhound racing, although I did not get involved in the greyhound pup syndicate which Liam Burke organised. Whether in Government or Opposition he was a flamboyant and colourful character who made people comfortable, especially with that disarming smile. His long service in the Houses of the Oireachtas reflected his popularity and his work for the people of Cork.

I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife Noreen and daughters, Catherine and Emma, on their sad loss.