Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to offer my deepest sympathy, and that of my party, to Séamus Brennan's wife, Ann, his family and his colleagues in Fianna Fáil. I did not have the privilege, as I am sure it would have been, of knowing my fellow Galwegian, Séamus Brennan, personally. My perception of him was always driven principally by my knowledge of his achievements as a politician and his appearances in the public domain. I have to say that he had a unique approach. Over the years, I built up a perception of Séamus as a warm, considerate and thoughtful human being who worked long and hard for his community, which repeatedly chose him as its leader, and for his country which he obviously loved so much. He brought his intelligence, courage, innovation and commitment to every Ministry in which he served over his long career. His superb organisational skills were more than apparent at local and national level.

I am informed by my colleague, Deputy Harney, that her experience of Séamus Brennan at a personal level was that he was an extremely decent and warm gentleman. She told me that Séamus had the capacity to bring people together and to encourage them to stay working with a common sense of purpose. I do not doubt, as Deputy Harney has told me, that at especially difficult times, Séamus Brennan was the glue that held the coalition structures together. He was able to refocus everyone's attention on the real job at hand — the successful governing of our country.

Another aspect of Séamus Brennan's approach that always impressed me was his appetite for reform and change. He was not satisfied to stick with the status quo. He was always seeking to change things for the better, sometimes with a bravery that is seldom seen in politics today. Senator O'Toole referred to Séamus Brennan's term as Minister for Transport when he showed an appetite for reform and change that led to the opening of Irish skies to real and open competition in the aviation sector. Séamus Brennan's most enduring legacy will be the lasting impression he made at a personal level on all those who met him. He disproved once and for all the theory that nice guys always finish last.

My own father passed away in July 1996 at 60 years of age, the same age Séamus Brennan was when he died this year. I am sure everyone will agree that it is far too young an age for any father to bid farewell to his family. The many fond memories we had of my father helped us to get through the difficult time we endured in the immediate aftermath of his death. Equally, I am sure the Brennan family has many fond memories of Séamus as a father, a husband and a friend. I know those memories will provide solace to them over the difficult weeks and months ahead. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.