John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I always felt I could have a conversation with Peter. I was deeply sorry to be out of the country when he passed away, but a month ago I attended the wedding in Clonakilty of two of my college friends. I had driven through Innishannon but decided to go back up the hill to the church. I parked my car, but as there was no one there, I did not really know where I was going. I went to the new part of the cemetery and found his grave. I had a little chat with him.

I extend sincere sympathy to Peter's wife, Sheila, and his children. I know he has siblings because there is a man in the front row of the Visitors Gallery who, as we say in south Kilkenny, has the head of him. I imagine it is Peter's brother. I extend sincere sympathy to all of them on Peter's passing.