Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy to our late colleague, Kieran Phelan, and extend my sympathy to his wife, Mary, and his immediate and extended family. I had known Kieran for many years but I came to know him much better since he became a Senator. He was a loyal colleague even though we sat on opposite sides of the House. He was warm, sincere, friendly and good humoured. As Senator Alex White noted, we could not but like him. He had a natural ability to get on with people and appreciate different viewpoints. It was a sad occasion to attend his funeral in County Laois and we will miss him greatly. Most of all, however, he will be missed by his wife, Mary, and the Fianna Fáil Party. He was a great colleague and his sudden passing created a void within this House.