Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I express my sympathy to Tony's family, his many friends, Deputies Cyprian Brady and Dooley and former Senator Chris Wall. I knew Tony long before I ever became a Member of the Seanad. I knew him through his work at the city council and also that which he did in his constituency and at election time. He was a key man in all of Deputy Bertie Ahern's election campaigns on the northside of the city.

The good work which Tony, as a member of the city council, did for people will never be forgotten. He will be remembered for it and his family should be extremely proud of him. When we remember Tony Kett, we will remember a man who made a difference. It is important to recall that he became a Senator and a county councillor because he wanted to make a difference to society and the people for whom he worked.

Previous speakers referred to Tony in different ways. To me, he was a real politician and a man who had conviction with regard to what he did. I will always remember him as that type of person. He is an example of how people in public life should conduct themselves. I offer my sincere sympathies to his family and thank them for coming to the Chamber today. I am glad to have had this opportunity to express my feelings about Tony.