Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

It is wonderful to be associated with the vote of sympathy to the family of the late Senator Tony Kett, to whom some excellent tributes have been paid. I extend my sympathies to his widow, Noreen; his family and lovely granddaughter, whom I had the honour to meet outside the Chamber.

In years to come when she gets older, she will look back on today, read these tributes and realise what a wonderful grandfather she had. I wish to extend my sympathy to the extended Kett family, as well as to friends and relations. I also wish to sympathise with his personal friend, Deputy Cyprian Brady, and former Senator Chris Wall. I note the presence in the Gallery of Deputy Dooley, who also was a colleague of Tony's in the Seanad. That great Drumcondra team are wonderful people. They may be down and have had their difficulties but they will rise again. They have missed Tony and his wonderful work in that constituency but matters will improve for them in the future. I also extend sympathy to the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, who was a deep personal friend.

Tony carried out tremendous work in the Central Remedial Clinic and provided a great service there. I believe he was responsible for building up that organisation to its present strength and it constitutes a living tribute to his work. I served in this House from 2002 until his death and his funeral was marked by a wonderful guard of honour from all sides of the House. His death was premature and although he lived and achieved a great deal in a short time, he never complained about his illness. Even while very ill, he often appeared in the House to vote, which is a tribute to his style. I refer to the continuity represented by his granddaughter and to his lovely family and note the wonderful tribute to him today, which is sincere and genuine. We have missed a truly great man in Senator Tony Kett. He was a wonderful husband and family man, a great friend to this House and I am proud to have known him. I express my deep sympathy to all the family who are present.