Larry Butler (Independent)

I will be brief because I am aware of the time constraints. I wish to express my sympathy to Kieran's family and friends. Kieran was a very proud Laois man. He did his family and county proud when he served as a Member of this House. Members are very proud of what he did when he was here with us.

I was elected from the same panel as Kieran. I used to meet him on occasion when we were out canvassing for votes. Essentially, we were often seeking the same votes. He was a lovely individual and always paid me the compliment of saying that I was doing very well. He would then state that he was not doing too well. He always had a good word to say about others.

We miss Kieran in the House, particularly because he was an outstanding Acting Chairman. I used to say to him that he was made for the job and he would say he enjoyed being in the Chair. It is important that his family should know that he was a great guy, a good Senator and a good councillor and that he represented the people of Laois so well. He was an extremely honourable man. I am proud to have been elected from the same panel as Kieran and to have known the man.