John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

I offer my personal sympathies to Billy Kenneally's wife, Maureen, his sons and brothers and his extended family. When I was elected in 1977, I had the honour of sharing a fourth floor office with Billy. I learned a lot from him from the day I arrived as the youngest elected Senator. His wise counsel prevented me from committing mortal political sins on many occasions. There could be an odd rough day in that era, to put it mildly. I recall him advising me as a young lad to keep out of the fray. It was good advice because it was not wise for a rookie in the Houses of the Oireachtas to get involved in controversy.

He was dedicated to his constituency and he never arrived without a case full of queries and problems. We did not have great facilities at the time. Younger Members may not be aware that we could only nominate two external telephone numbers. Most of us could only call home or our respective county councils. Billy was more often on the telephone to the county council than he was to his home.

I greatly appreciate the advice and counsel he gave me when I was a young Member and offer my deepest sympathy to his family. Deputy Brendan Kenneally has continued a noble tradition and any family which has been represented in this House over three generations can claim a proud record.