Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

The late Senator Michael Howard was one of the most rounded people I ever met. He was wise, intelligent, good-humoured, committed and very honest. He was a great colleague and was respected by one and all. When he spoke, people listened. He had a very real sense of the role of Parliament, specifically the Seanad, and took his responsibilities as a legislator very seriously and contributed significantly. His own innate dignity and presence contributed greatly to the working of the Seanad. I worked alongside him as Deputy Whip of the Fine Gael Party when he was the party Whip in the Seanad. He was a good, kindly and inspirational colleague. I know how dear and important his family was to Michael. He was a good family man and all-round good man. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.