Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Unfortunately I did not personally know either Senator Mannion or Senator Codd. Occasions such as this provide the opportunity to pay tribute to the principle of service as much as to individuals. It is worth repeating that their service was worthwhile even though not all of us would have known about it. I express my condolences to their families for their loss. It is certain that both of these men attempted to serve the country and their own communities and used all the abilities they possessed both within and without these Houses to do that service. The Labour Party wishes to be associated with the expressions of regret and condolence. We also want to pay tribute to the service they gave and to the fact that they choose to do it. Like all people who put their names forward in an election, they were willing to accept the possibility of losing as well as winning. Therefore, they were among the genuine risk takers in our society who take the risk not for their own sake but for the sake of what they believe they can do for their communities.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.