Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I want to be associated with the tributes paid to the late great Peter Callanan. I got to know Peter quite well during my first Seanad campaign in 2002. Everywhere I went, Peter seemed to be there before me and I had to wait outside the door for quite a length of time on some occasions. I got to know him particularly well during the 2002 to 2007 Seanad and became very close to him during this Seanad, as I am Whip. Peter and I had many meetings at which he made apologies for not being able to attend but he was always available when he could be.

I express my deep sympathy to his wife Sheila and to his family, of which he was very proud. No matter when you were summoned to his office, the door would be locked and for some reason there was a smell of smoke although it is banned in the building. Invariably, every conversation would end up with him speaking about one member of his family or another. He was very proud of his family and I am delighted to see them here today. I know they miss him terribly. We in this House also miss him for his good wit and good humour. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.