Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Ba bhreá liom, mar ionadaí ó Chontae na Gaillimhe ó dhúchas, cúpla focal a chur leis na focail álainne atá ráite ag mo chomhghleacaithe. Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhbhrón le muintir Uí Bhraonáin, Ann agus a clann uilig.

I am a relatively new addition to this House. I spoke with Séamus Brennan only once but growing up in Galway, he was a very familiar name and face. First, we are all aware that he was a Galway man and we are proud of all he achieved. Also, as I grew to have a deep interest in politics, I remember enjoying — I am glad Senator Alex White mentioned it — his great analysis on television, particularly at election times. He was one of those voices, one of those people who was brought on to speak at those times. He had a forensic approach and he had something interesting to say. He had a great knowledge of all that had gone on and could crutch numbers with the best of them.

What was also attractive about him was that he gave service from a very young age. He was one of those public servants, one of those politicians, who started young and, sadly, the service ended far too soon. His analysis always struck me as impressive and reasoned. On that reasonableness that he exuded, I often thought, looking at him on "Questions and Answers" and other programmes, that he sometimes developed a pained look when he was in disagreement with colleagues, perhaps from a different political viewpoint. It struck me often that this look of pain served him well because it communicated that here was a reasonable man. As was appropriate for a man from the city of the tribes, he loved his tribe and supported it but he could do so without being tribal and that was to his great benefit and was one of his attractive political characteristics.

I was working for the Dublin diocese during the jubilee millennium year, in which he played a major role. He was an imaginative and supportive figure in his role as Minister in enabling, supporting and providing for the various celebrations by Church and State during the great jubilee year of 2000.

I only met him once but it was an interesting encounter. I found myself in Galway by accident when I was canvassing for the Seanad election. I saw him in a hotel and decided I would canvass him. What I did not notice was the television camera coming in behind him. I realised it might compromise my independent status if people saw me canvassing him as they would not know why I was in the hotel. He must have sensed my discomfiture because he steered me to one side and said, "You're not supposed to be here, are you?" I do not know whether I got the vote but I was struck by his gentleness, politeness and courtesy.

The last time I saw him I could not help feeling sad but I admired his bravery as he sat in this House eager to continue the business that was his as a Minister. I know it is a matter of pride and sorrow for his family to be here today. They would rather not be here but I am sure it is with pride that they hear these well deserved tributes to their beloved father and husband. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal agus suaimhneas síoraí dó.