Eoghan Harris (Independent)

In the course of the lunch, Professor Murphy, who otherwise spoiled the lunch by his argumentative nature, remarked that this Seanad seemed to be more sparky, more lively, more entertaining and more to the point than when he was around. He said that with some kind of nostalgia and regret. There was a general consensus at the table that much of this was due to the influx of new, opinionated and sharp Senators from all parties, along with the fatherly and completely competent service given by the Leader of the House, plus your own generous and liberal chairing of proceedings, a Chathaoirligh. I thought you should know that.