Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I compliment those Senators who are going for election and will hopefully be returned to the Dáil. Having served in the Dáil and several Departments, I have come to the Oireachtas in many shades but found it a wonderful experience to be in the Seanad for the past five years. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Leader, Senator O'Rourke, who set a trend and placed a stamp of authority on the House from the day she came in. Her vast knowledge of politics over many years added a great deal to the work of the Chamber. I had the good fortune to bring a Private Members' Bill — the Registration of Wills Bill 2005 — through the House which would not have been brought forward were it not for the support and encouragement of the Leader. It is difficult on this side of the House to have a Private Members' Bill passed on Government time, but that is what I achieved.

I am confident that the House will sit after 14 June as a stamp duty Bill is likely to be brought before the House, presumably under a Fianna Fáil-led Administration. Hopefully we will be with the Progressive Democrats again as they have been very good partners with us over the last ten years. Senator Dardis has been a very effective deputy leader of the House. The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, has been exemplary and I am delighted he was named Senator of the year, which he deserved. It takes a great deal of effort and work to attend at every sitting and have an issue to raise. I acknowledge also the contributions of the leaders of the Labour and Independent groups who will be back here after the June election, joined by the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach.

The Chamber has received increased recognition through the work of all its Members over the last five years. However, we have one tragic regret which is that Senator Kate Walsh has left us. Her seat will never be filled again. I did not get a chance to pay tribute to her when sympathies were expressed formally, but I note now that I never came across such a lady in politics. She was a most wonderful person and contributed a great deal from her humanity to the House. The Progressive Democrats were most fortunate that she became a member of their party.

I wish all Members, whether seeking re-election or not, the very best. I will not go through the list of those seeking re-election because it may change. Members who do not intend to seek re-election may change their minds after the general election.