Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I will be brief. I wish to add my voice to those who spoke before me in thanking the Leas-Chathaoirleach, whom I have known for many years, the Cathaoirleach and all those Senators who are retiring, including Senator Dardis. I wish Senator Dardis, who is a great friend, the very best. He has been an accomplished Deputy Leader of the Seanad. I thank the Leader of the House, Senator O'Rourke, who has done an excellent job along with my colleague in the Whips' office, Senator Moylan.

I wish my colleagues on the other side of the House every success. I wish Senator Henry, with whom I have had many conversations as Government spokesperson on health and children, the very best. Given my background and Senator Henry's interest in the area of health, it is axiomatic that we would have regular contact in that regard. I also wish the very best to Senator Bohan who is retiring having played a pivotal role in this House for 20 years. I regret Senator Fitzgerald, a friend and colleague, will not seek re-election to the Seanad.

I wish the very best to those seeking election to the Upper or Lower House. One of the highlights of my membership of this House has been during recent years in terms of the peace process. It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to all the parties represented in this House in regard to the manner in which the national question was dealt with. Members of the Opposition did not seek to make political gain out of their position as members of the Opposition. The common denominator of getting it right in terms of getting peace in Northern Ireland was to the forefront at all times. I agree with Senator Jim Walsh in regard to the Taoiseach addressing the Houses of Parliament on the other side of the water. It reflects a true recognition of the statesmanship of the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern.

In regard to the reform of the Seanad, I suppose I am a little old-fashioned in certain respects. As somebody who was elected by elected members of county and city councils, I believe their role in electing 43 Members to this House should continue. I am aware there is not unanimity on this in the House. The role played by local authority members is often understated. I compliment a number of Members of this House who decried the adverse remarks made in at least one national newspaper about the role of councillors. They do not get half the recognition they deserve.

I wish everybody the best. I agree with Senator Maurice Cummins in regard to the plans of certain very unsavoury elements in society who are targeting members of the Garda Síochána. It is a very worrying development and must be dealt with by an dorn iarainn, the iron fist. I wish everybody well and thank the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy to me as a Member of this House.