Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I also wish to be associated with the tributes paid to the late Tom Fitzpatrick, who was elected to the Seanad on the administrative panel in 1961 and served in this House until 1965. He graduated to the Dáil in 1965, where he pursued a successful and distinguished career as Minister and Ceann Comhairle. Many other successful Members have followed his example by serving their apprenticeship in the Seanad before moving to the Dáil, which speaks volumes for this House. He commanded widespread respect from all sides of the political divide, and I often had occasion to meet him around Leinster House both when he was a Member and since he retired. I always found him to be a thorough gentleman. I extend my sincere sympathies to his wife,Carmel, his son, Tom, and his daughter, Geraldine, on their sad loss.