Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I also wish to be associated with the tributes to the late Seán O'Leary who, as already stated, was nominated by the then Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, to be a Member of the 15th and 17th Seanad. I had the pleasure of serving with him in those Seanad. He was a great debater, being articulate and passionate. Many debates were enriched and enlivened by his contributions and the independence of his thoughts.

His political expertise with percentages and quotas was recognised by the Fine Gael Party and led to his appointment as director of elections. His untimely death is a loss to the Fine Gael Party, the Judiciary and Irish society in general. I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife, Mary, son, daughters and extended family on their sad loss.