Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It shows his independence of mind. It is extremely difficult to lose the whip, particularly on the Government side, to vote against one's colleagues, to take the other position and be shunned. However, he showed that absolute independence of mind on key issues and Seán O'Leary is a model for those wanting to follow a career in politics.

One of the great parts of his life he remembered and cherished was his time as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1972. The President at that time, Éamon de Valera, had never been offered the freedom of the city of Cork. Over Christmas, I read that Seán O'Leary regarded it as a great honour that as Lord Mayor he was able to propose and see through offering the freedom of the city to Éamon de Valera.

I spoke to some of his colleagues on the night of the funeral. I was struck by the number of judges who stated not only did he deserve to be a Circuit Court judge but that he deserved to be a High Court judge and that he had the intellect to go with it. There is often a question mark over who becomes a judge in this country, but he had the respect of his colleagues right across the Bench and in all sections of the legal community.

We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, and his children, Margaret, Anne, Patrick, Mary and Catherine. In particular, we remember in this House the passing of a great man who served Irish life, politics and the legal system in this country with such distinction all his life.