Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I am glad to join with my colleagues in honouring Senator Tony Kett. My first meeting with Tony took place in the Central Remedial Clinic when I was canvassing during my first campaign for election to the Seanad. He painstakingly explained all the election's intricacies to me because as a novice candidate, it was a complicated process, particularly as I had only made up my mind to stand about two weeks previously. However, he was patient and kind and I forever will appreciate the time he spent with me. He spent an hour with me explaining everything I should and should not do. For example, I remember he advised me not to talk about one candidate to another and not to mention anyone else's name. This advice has always stuck with me.

Every time Tony sat in this Chamber, he never failed to acknowledge me as a human being, which I appreciate. He had the ultimate west of Ireland charm and interest in other people. Every time he appeared in the Chamber, he smiled at me and I appreciated that very much. At Tony's funeral, I told Noreen that when the previous Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, was under pressure, I discerned in Tony's face his anguish and empathy for his friend. I must make the point that the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, was privileged to have such a loyal friend as Senator Tony Kett.