Joe O'Toole (Independent)

On behalf of Independent Members and Sinn Féin, I wish to be associated with the words of sympathy expressed by my colleagues. I acknowledge and welcome the family of Michael Howard to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. When I joined the House in 1987, Michael Howard was already here and he was at all times pleasant, friendly and popular. There was nothing better than to watch the way he could wind up Tras Honan, when everybody else was slightly afraid of her. We always remember public figures here in the personal way we got to know them.

At a time like this, we sometimes repeat ourselves, but that is as it should be. We are all in the same job, no matter on what side of the House we happen to be. I would like to say to the grandchildren that it is always more difficult for them to lose a grandad because they do not expect to lose them. We are aware of that.

In offering condolences from these benches to the family, the extended family and the Fine Gael Party, we recognise that putting one's name on a ballot paper and standing for election, wherever that happens to be, is the highest calling within a democracy. The day we cannot get people to do that, is the day a democracy fails. I wish to extend our recognition and acknowledgment of this to Michael Howard's family. He showed commitment at all stages of his life to serve as a people's representative. No matter what party one belongs to, we cry out for such people, those who will stand up and be counted, have a point of view and be prepared to stand by it. This is an important role and I urge the family to recognise that this is the legacy of which they can be proud. This is the nation building part of public representation.

Michael Howard did this as a member of Clare County Council and he was at all times busy, active and effective - the classic example of if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. He was a person who just stretched his time. He made everything fit into that time. He represented his colleagues in the Vintners Federation of Ireland and was also a voice for farmers. When he took on a responsibility, he took it all the way. As a vintner he had something to say and something to fight for and represent. He went all the way and became president of the vintners' group. It was a similar situation in his local community. He went all the way to become a member of the local authority and put forward his point of view there. He was, similarly, a voice for farmers.

He carried all those interests into the Seanad, which is what the Seanad is supposed to be about. I say this as a person who calls constantly for Seanad reform. The Seanad is about people with a mixed and varied background who can stand up and talk about the various areas of life such as rural Ireland, running a business, running a farm, politics etc. I remind Michael's family and grandchildren that they can take great pride in his commitment and energy. They are his legacy. He has made his mark and will be remembered. That is on record. I urge them to take pride in that. We are proud of the fact we served with him.

It is appropriate for me to finish with the words of Deputy Pat Breen on Clare radio last February. He said:

Michael was one of life's gentlemen and a tremendous organiser and strategist. It was these qualities that endeared him to the various farming, business and political organisations he served during his life.

Is fíor iad na focail sin. Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach go bhfuil daoine mar Michael sásta a ainmneacha a chur san áireamh agus dul thar bhráid an phobail chun a dhícheall a dhéanamh ar son na ndaoine. We take pride in him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.