Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Like other Senators, the leaders expressed their condolences to the Hillery family on the death of our former President, Dr. Patrick Hillery. I congratulate everyone who participated in the organisation of the State funeral ceremonies yesterday. They were a credit to the State and to everyone who had a responsibility, whether that was the Army, the Garda, the clergy or anyone else concerned. I also congratulate RTE for a magnificent broadcast, which is something we will have for generations to come. It was what a public broadcasting service is all about. I join with all Senators who made expressions of condolence this morning.

I wish to be associated with the congratulations to Senator Ciaran Cannon on becoming leader of the Progressive Democrats. In Senator Cannon we will now have a party leader in the House. We already have a party chairman in the deputy leader, Senator Dan Boyle, who had a very successful Ard-Fheis last weekend — I believe the Greens call them conventions — which was very impressive and uplifting when I saw it on television. I congratulate Senator Boyle on the achievements of his party last weekend. This is good for the Seanad. I commiserate with Senator Fiona O'Malley. I know there will be an important place and position for her in her party following this decision, which was a very narrow one at 49% to 51%. It could not have been closer.