Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

On behalf of Fine Gael Party Members of Seanad Éireann, I pay tribute to our late colleague, Kieran Phelan, whose sudden death shocked us all in this Chamber and everybody in Leinster House. No doubt, its suddenness can only have made his parting all the more difficult for his family and wider circle of relatives, friends and supporters. I hope the tributes today will go some small way towards outlining to his wife, Mary, and their five children, Fiona, Martina, Brenda, Aisling and Patrick, the high esteem in which he was held and the sadness shared by everyone here at his untimely passing.

I remember being at a meeting with Kieran only days before his death. He was so full of life, in good humour and showing his usual characteristics which made him well liked and popular across the political divide in Leinster House. The words "jovial", "kind", "friendly", "good humoured" and "unassuming" spring to my mind when I think of him. One could always be sure of a friendly smile or an encouraging word from him in passing or at a meeting. His passing has been felt by all of us who interacted with him in the world of politics.

As the Leader said, Kieran served his community, county and country with dedication, commitment and distinction, first in Laois County Council from 1991, at which he represented Borris-in-Ossory - he became first citizen of his county in 1998 - and then in Seanad Éireann from 2002 until his untimely passing this year. His life and contribution were cut far too short. He was taken from us far too soon, but I have no doubt he is looking down on us today and we can still picture his smiling face, friendly demeanour and warm manner. To his wife, Mary; his five children; mum; extended family and friends who are with us today, I extend our sincere sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.