Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues in paying tribute to our late, great colleague, Tony Kett. I also join in the welcome afforded to his wife, family and friends, especially Senator Brady and the former Senator, Mr. Chris Wall.

I had heard of Senator Tony Kett long before I met him, through his association with the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern. I remember very well the first time I met him. It was when he came to canvas me for the Seanad election in 2002. Little did I know at that stage that I would become a candidate on the same panel. Unusually, I was working in my house and dressed in old clothes and unshaven. When I was tipped off that Tony was on the way, I ran outside and began to plant a tree which had been lying outside for a long time. Tony came and we spoke. I planted the tree and I am pleased to report it is still there. Only for Tony it would never have been planted, or certainly would have happened a good deal later.

When I was fortunate enough to be elected to the House, I got to know Tony very well. He was a great man to give advice. He was decent and a fierce character. One never knew whether he was setting you up, but one learned soon enough. I valued very much the advice he provided. I sought an internal party nomination for the last Seanad election and Tony voted for me at the time. When I asked him why he was voting for me - I was the opposition - he replied that he did not want anyone with ability to stand against him. He has been proved right in that sense also.

I thank everyone who participated in the funeral. Senator Quinn referred to the guard of honour. I thank the Fine Gael and Labour Party Whips and all Senators who participated. It was a great honour for Tony and an opportunity for the Seanad to show its appreciation for what Tony had contributed to it and the Oireachtas during his time here. He was an honourable, decent and very humble man, to which Senator Ormonde alluded. I express my sincere condolences to his wife, Noreen, and her family, especially his little granddaughter, of whom he was very proud. May he rest in peace.