Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I too would like to be associated with the tributes to the late Willie Farrell. He was a Member of this House from 1982-2002, where he successfully contested five Seanad elections on the industrial and commercial panel. I had the pleasure of serving with him as a Member of Seanad Éireann and voting for him on a number of occasions in his Seanad campaigns.

He was reliable, good humoured and totally committed to the Fianna Fáil Party and Seanad Éireann, especially in his role as deputy and Government Whip. I also knew him on the General Council of County Councils and the Association of Health Boards in Ireland. I recall one occasion when he was acting Whip in the House on a late Thursday afternoon when we were dealing with a Bill. The understanding was that there would be no vote, but at that time, people could be Members of the European Parliament as well as Seanad Éireann. A particular MEP used to return here on a Thursday, on occasions. Luckily, Willie happened to spot this individual coming through a gate, relatively late, and immediately did a round of the House to ensure sufficient Members were present in case of a vote. Sure enough, there was a vote and I believe the result was seven to six. Willie always referred thereafter to the "magnificent seven", but on that occasion he ensured that a section of a Bill was not defeated here in this House.

He made an enormous contribution to Irish political life and served the people of Sligo with distinction for many years as a member of Sligo County Council. To his daughter Helen, sons Seamus and Liam, daughter-in-law, Siobhan, son-in-law, Pauric, and all his grandchildren I extend my sincere sympathy. I now ask Members to stand in silence for one minute. Members rose.