Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the late Michael Howard and welcome his family to the House. I was the Government Whip in the House from 1994 to 1997 when Mr. Howard was a Senator. He was a dependable and honourable man who was great for a Whip because he had the ability to come into the Chamber at a moment's notice and speak on any issue. This is not a surprise when one considers the words spoken about Michael Howard by Senators. He did not need to consult Google before entering the Chamber because he had his own system based on the experience he had gained as a vintner, farmer, businessman and local and national politician. Michael acquired the experience in business and politics to enable him to speak on every subject discussed in the House.

Senator Bradford referred to the count for the 1987 Seanad election which, in the case of Michael Howard, went down to the last vote. Those who aspire to become a Member of the House should note that Michael was beaten by the current Deputy Phil Hogan because the final vote to be distributed recorded a sixth preference for Hogan and seventh preference for Howard. The order on the ballot paper clearly mattered in that count.