Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

As Leader of the Seanad, it is with a heavy heart that I say a few short words about the sad passing of a friend and colleague, Senator Peter Callanan. I had great admiration for Peter. He was a wonderful person, a highly intelligent Member of Seanad Éireann and a truly excellent public servant. He was an astute and capable individual who was interested in getting things done.

Born in Castlefreke, west of Clonakilty, he lived and farmed for all his married life in Ballymountain, Innishannon. He was married to Sheila Harrington and had four sons, Gerard, Liam, David and Denis, and two daughters, Deirdre and Fionnuala.

From the time he was elected to Cork County Council first in 1979, Peter served the people of County Cork with tremendous dedication and commitment. He was re-elected in 1985, 1991 and 1999 and every election until 2004 when he was forced to step down under the dual mandate rule preventing Members of the Oireachtas from serving on local councils. He was well regarded throughout his local community for his hard work, enthusiasm and warm personality. The pipe and his smile were his trade marks. He was a life member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and proudly wore his pin.

Peter was elected to Seanad Éireann first in 1997 on the Agricultural Panel and subsequently re-elected in 2002 and 2007. As a three time Member of the Seanad, he was a strong champion of farmers' rights and used his membership of joint committees to raise matters of concern in regard to agriculture, food and fisheries. He was also an excellent orator and commanded attention whenever he spoke. He was often involved in protracted discussions on matters close to his heart, both in the Seanad Chamber and at Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meetings. He was not afraid to be controversial or take an unpopular stance when he believed strongly it was the right thing to do. Once he got his teeth into an issue, he was not a man to let go until he had taken it to the highest possible level.

Peter was an extremely able and astute politician who worked resolutely on behalf of the people he served. His contribution, both in public and behind the scenes, helped to raise awareness of many agricultural issues. His only aim was to make life better for the people of his community, his native County Cork and rural Ireland in general. He was an honourable man and a loyal public servant at local and national level for more than 30 years. An immensely popular man, I know his loss will be widely felt among his friends and colleagues.

We, on this side of the House, acknowledge Peter as a great Fianna Fáil servant. He was a staunch defender of the party, of which he was so proud, and a great upholder of its traditional values. We will all miss him.

On a personal note, I was privileged to serve as Leader of Seanad Éireann during his tenure as a Senator. Along with the Cathaoirleach and on behalf of the House, I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Sheila, his four sons Gerard, Liam, David and Denis, and his two daughters Deirdre and Fionnuala, and his family and friends in his community. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam.