Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I speak on behalf of the Fine Gael Party in Longford-Westmeath and on behalf of my family. My father knew Seán Keegan well. I extend my condolences and sincere sympathy to his wife, Mary, and children, Gearóid, Tom, Nan, Maria and Nuala. Sadly, I did not know Seán, but I understand he always put the people of Westmeath firmly ahead of party politics. He was concerned always with what was best for Westmeath and was never afraid to express his views, either in the county council, Seanad or Dáil. I have been told by the many people in Westmeath who speak so highly of him that he was always rigid in his defence of the core values of honesty and decency.

I wish his wife, Mary, well. I extend my condolences to my colleagues in Fianna Fáil on the sad loss of the late, great Seán Keegan. I join the Leader in welcoming the visitors from Westmeath, especially my former colleague, Councillor Robert Troy. I am pleased to see him here.