Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I have asked about this before and ask that it be corrected on future occasions. It is important because we are speaking about our late colleague.

We will miss Kieran's good humour and warm personality. We can only imagine how his death impacts on his family and friends. I speak on behalf of my colleagues on the Independent benches, on whose behalf I extend our deepest condolences. We knew Kieran as someone who was loyal and dependable. When one did a deal with him, it was not necessary to sign off on it. His word was his bond and always maintained. In this way he endeared himself to Members on all sides of the House. I would like his family to know that this has nothing to do with party; he was a colleague who was appreciated as much on this side of the House as on his own. His views were always his own. As has been said, he was honest and untrammelled by party or other considerations. He said it as he thought and believed it, straight up. He could have been talking about somebody in his own or another party; it was his view and he lived or died on that basis alone. On behalf of Members on these benches, I acknowledge his contribution to this House and politics. It is wonderful to hear on an occasion such as this the sound of a grandchild gurgling in the background. I know Kieran would have appreciated it.

On a serious note, at a time of turmoil in society, it is important to recognise there was never a greater need for people to step forward to put their names on the ballot paper and acknowledge their responsibilities. That is what Kieran did. As a public representative, he recognised that was the greatest service a person could provide in a democracy. Whether a person does it well or otherwise, he or she has to start by putting himself or herself in a position to be knocked down. There is no higher calling than facing the electorate and the ups and downs of political life and rolling with them. For this, we express our appreciation to Kieran.

It is rarely understood and too often forgotten in the midst of the constant criticism of politicians on the so-called gravy train that a significant commitment and sacrifice are required, especially so in the case of one's family. Because of the nature of a politician's life, there is separation from one's family for long periods. Politicians cannot be effective without the full support of those closest to them. In Kieran's case, this was provided by his spouse, Mary; his five children; his brothers and extended family. We record our thanks to them for providing that level of support. In a special way this is their contribution to public life and public service, of which they should always be proud. We know we can do nothing on our own without those behind us. Providing such support must have been difficult at many times during the years when the burden of rearing a family and running a home fell on the other partner and others. Kieran's commitment to his family, place, party and country was unmatched. It was real and a commitment by which he lived. I remember my last conversation with him. The voting records of Members had been made available. We were at a Whips' meeting and either Senator Cummins or Senator Wilson made the point that Kieran had the best voting record in the House. I suggested to Kieran that perhaps in the future the salaries of Senators should be benchmarked against their voting records, a suggestion with which he was very pleased.

My colleague, Senator Harris, will speak further in tribute. When he and I sought support, Kieran stood with us on an issue of no value, electoral or otherwise, to him; it was a selfless gesture motivated by common humanity, an innate sense of justice and a commitment to fair play. We appreciated very much the stand he took with us. That was the mark of the man; he was not in it for personal recognition or personal or electoral gain. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. Tá brón orm go bhfuil sé imithe uainn. We extend from these benches our condolences to his family.