Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

While this is a difficult occasion for Senators on all sides, I hope, as many speakers have stated, it will bring some comfort to Sheila and the extended family of the late Peter Callanan. I am in a unique position, having known Peter since I was elected as a young man to the committee of 15 of the Fianna Fáil Party national executive when he was the constituency delegate from Cork South-West. I find myself back in the Seanad as a result of a by-election which was caused by Peter's death. I now sit on the panel on which he sat. Therefore, I have mixed feelings today as we pay genuine and deserved tributes to Peter in the presence of his extended family.

Many Members had certain things in common with Peter. My wife, like Peter's, is called Sheila and comes from west Cork, from where Peter came. We often talked about this. I was always told to clear my diary for the first week in August to attend the regatta in Castletownbere. I used to take the opportunity of our visit to the regatta to meet Peter in Bandon.

Senators are correct that Peter had a twinkle in his eye and an immense capacity to identify and cut through issues. He often conveyed great strength both inside and outside the House when speaking on issues about which he felt strongly.

I used to admire the timbre in Peter's voice. I told him on more than one occasion that if he had not had the calling of agriculture and the Seanad, he would have made a brilliant broadcaster because he commanded a presence when he rose to speak and his words were always full of substance.

I extend my deepest sympathies to Peter's family on their awful loss. The gap he leaves behind will never be filled, particularly for Sheila who knew him first and all his extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.