Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I also want to be associated with the condolences expressed by my colleagues. I knew Senator Kett before I became a Member of this House. I first got to know him as a representative of the constituency of Dublin Central. The run-up to an election there, no less than in any other constituency, can be a fraught time. I came across him most during those pre-election periods. When I first got to know him and saw him in action, even though we were political opponents, it was immediately apparent to me that all the qualities of which other colleagues have spoken were radiant in him. They were apparent to everybody and I want to echo what has already been said by my colleagues in that respect.

I also wish to extend my condolences to Deputy Cyprian Brady and former Senator Chris Wall who are here today. They were brothers in arms with Tony Kett for many years in the constituency. They were colleagues and friends and worked so hard together.

I first became aware of Senator Kett's illness when I met him on Eccles Street one morning while dropping my children off to school. I was leaving the school when I saw him sitting in his car so I went over to say "hello". I did not realise he was ill. To be honest, it was quite an uncomfortable moment because the public face, which was all I had really known of Tony over the years, immediately met the private reality of somebody who was suffering and in pain. I will never forget the way he conducted himself that morning when he spoke to me with such dignity and friendliness. He told me the suffering he was going through, his view on it and his attitude to life. He was at his finest that morning when I met him. That memory sticks with me as I speak here today.

Other colleagues have referred to the guard of honour we formed at his funeral. I was very proud to stand in that guard of honour as a Senator, a former colleague and somebody who worked in the constituency with him serving our constituents. I was proud to honour him that day.

All my colleagues have offered their sympathies to the Kett family and I wish to do the same. In particular, I want to offer my condolences to his granddaughter. It is beautiful to hear the sound of new life from a life that has passed on. I hope that in the years to come, when his family reflects on Tony's memory, the record of what we have said here will be of help to them in recognising the quality of the man with whom we were all honoured to serve.