John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I am delighted on behalf of the Progressive Democrats to join the other groups in paying tribute to Andy O'Brien and to extend our sympathy to his wife, extended family and his Fine Gael colleagues. His many achievements have been well documented by previous speakers. The thread that links these remarkable achievements was a life of unparalleled service to his community, county, province and State. It is obvious that his contribution at national level was rooted in his community and county. There is a message there for many of us in that it is important to keep those links close and reflect them when we serve the people. I was taken by his involvement in the drama festival in Cavan. I think it was Disraeli who said that all politics was acting. Perhaps there is a link between the Cavan drama festival and Andy O'Brien's political life. He deserves all the tributes paid to him. Go ndéine Dia trócaire ar a anam.