Joe O'Toole (Independent)

In acknowledging the presence of Tony Kett's family and friends here, I apologise for my rudeness in not being here for the beginning of these tributes to him. It is one of those things that happens in the life of a public representative, but it reflects what I want to say. No one more than the family understands the impact of public representation on family life and leisure time, which people in other jobs take for granted. Family events have to be slotted in. In a time of increasing public cynicism about the role of politics and public representation, whatever people outside these Houses may think, I want Tony Kett's family and friends to know that we recognised him as a hard-working, honest and effective public representative. He discharged his role as a public representative with dignity and style and in a way that he considered it a privilege to be in a House of Parliament, a belief I hope many of us share. He never lost that and I often discussed this with him. I knew Tony for years before he was elected to the House through our common interest in education and special education, in particular. At an earlier time the north inner city and north Dublin were my special responsibility and I engaged with him and that area over many years. We had a coincidental interest in the area.

He was just one more of us in both Houses but, however much we argue and however much we are representative, we also recognise when people do a good job. This man made his mark and he was effective. I would like to be associated with all the positive comments made. His family can be proud of his contribution and should take away the message that we recognise that and we share their pride in his work. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.