Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join in the tributes to our colleague Senator Kate Walsh. She was a friend to all in the Seanad and was proud to be a Member. Kate always had a commonsense and down-to-earth approach to all matters raised in this House. There were no airs and graces about her and what one saw was what one got, which was a warmth and kindness that everyone appreciated. All Members are glad to have known Kate Walsh. I was happy to speak to her by telephone in hospital many times over many months. She was always grateful and appreciative to speak to anyone, especially her colleagues from this House, irrespective of party. It has been noted she was always more concerned about others than about herself. She will be missed by all Members and I also convey my sympathy to her family and friends as well as to her party, the Progressive Democrats. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.