Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I join in the many tributes which have been paid to the late Peter Callanan. To his wife Sheila, his four sons and two daughters and other members of his family I offer my sincere sympathy. Peter had great qualities. First, he was a great farmer. I do not want to repeat too much of what has been said, but he had a wonderful knowledge of farming and other matters far beyond farming. Peter was a very fluid speaker. He could always stand up in the Seanad and at the agriculture debates in Agriculture House and was to the fore putting forward the farmers' point of view and standing by it.

Everybody is telling little jokes about Peter, but I have no serious jokes to tell, other than he and I being on the Agricultural Panel. Like Senators Ellis and Carty we were spinning yarns. Peter was getting votes from one councillor and I was getting votes from another. That was all good fun. Peter and I were great friends and always enjoyed meeting in this House, on the Seanad campaign, conferences and other places.

It is very strange. The year 1979 must have been wonderful for newcomers to the councils. I was elected in 1979 to Monaghan County Council as well. Peter Callanan, God rest him, was elected that year. Peter Callanan was a great friend to us all and once again to his wife Sheila and his family I offer my sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.