Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I join in the words of tribute to my late colleague, Senator Willie Farrell. It is many years since I served with him in the Seanad, but he is certainly a politician who existed in what Americans would call the no-spin zone. What Willie thought, he said. His views were expressed clearly and strongly, and political correctness was not part of his vocabulary. He spoke from the heart. He represented something that is now a thing of the past among politicians, namely, the ability to call things as they are. Without fear or favour he expressed his views strongly in the House. I served with him for three years in the Seanad and from time to time on various Oireachtas committees, and he had sincerely held views which were always strongly expressed.

Senator Farrell always wore a smile on his face and he enjoyed his politics. He enjoyed the friendship of people right across the political spectrum and was respected because of that. He wore his disability lightly and was an inspiration to many people who suffered similar burdens in life. To his friends, and particularly his family, I express my sympathy, although it is some months since he died. He is one of those political figures whose legacy remains strong. We all remember him in a very fond fashion. May he rest in peace.