Rónán Mullen (Independent)

There is a nice and simple portrait not far from here in the halls of this House of the late Brian Lenihan senior. I have often had occasion to look at it, especially when I have had guests in the House, and to think how fitting it was that there would be a portrait of that man because it was unusual to have the portrait of a modern politician who did not hold the office of Taoiseach, Ceann Comhairle or Cathaoirleach. I have had the sad thought lately, however, on many occasions as I passed that portrait with friends and when on my own, of thinking that the date might come soon when we would wonder whether it would not be fitting to put up a similar portrait of Brian Lenihan junior because it was impossible not to admire him. He was a natural, a Renaissance man, a man of tremendous intelligence, but his approach to knowledge was both playful and respectful. It was a joy to listen to him. It has been said he had a great respect for this House. He had a great respect for politics and democracy, and he took his brief very seriously indeed.

It has been said, I think justly, that he probably shone most in his role as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. That was natural because of his own professional background. Those who suggested a number of years ago that there was something inappropriate about barristers having to deal with the financial challenges facing the nation did not reckon on the speed and ability with which Brian Lenihan would master his brief. He did so quickly and even if there is disagreement about some of the decisions taken, no one could doubt that the decisions Brian Lenihan took were taken with great intelligence and integrity and having regard to the knowledge at his disposal and to the best of his judgment.

I have said he was a delight to listen to and I remember one occasion in particular. We were marking the 70th anniversary of the coming into force of Bunreacht na hÉireann. Our former colleague and Senator, Eoghan Harris, wrote about it in his newspaper column subsequently. It was a joy to listen to Brian on that day because he was talking about a subject he knew so well. He gave such a rich insight into the Constitution. Those who seek to detract from our Constitution or diminish its glories would have learned many a lesson worth learning that day from listening to Brian Lenihan as he put it into its historical context and explained the nobility and scope of it.

He was a man capable of making the most dull or complex subjects interesting. I and others listened in fascination during various debates here, including debates on NAMA and finance. Perhaps because he was a natural teacher Brian had the ability to use language. Even when he used a word that was not in most people's vocabulary, one knew from listening to him that he was using the word exactly suited to his meaning and one also knew what he meant. That came from his great communication ability. We all have reason to be thankful to him because he showed what politics could be. Given his great interests he was a man who could have had many careers but it was always clear from listening to him and being with him that politics was his natural career. It has often been said, fairly, that our politics is mediocre. There is much mediocrity about Irish politics and the way we do it here but Brian Lenihan was a man who could have played on any stage. Many of us have reason to be grateful to him. I was delighted to hear Senator van Turnhout speak from her particular area of expertise - it is an important area - about the various and impressive contributions that Brian Lenihan made.

I admired his role on the all-party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, especially the way in which he handled the hearings and inquiries that led to the 2002 abortion referendum which, in my view, should have passed. However, my focus here today is on the impressive way in which Brian mastered that brief and brought in all sides, heard their views and the issues were teased out properly respecting the role of the Oireachtas as a place where these issues should be teased out.

On a personal note, I always enjoyed meeting him and I remember one particular occasion. It is appropriate to mention it because it took place in the fairly public setting of the Members' restaurant. I was called back one day as I was leaving. "Senator" he said. He would always address one by one's Oireachtas title. He sought to talk about medals. One great thing about Irish life is that when people are at a time of challenge people's generosity shows in a big way. Brian had experienced a great outpouring of sympathy and solidarity from people and had received relics, miraculous medals and letters of support of every kind. He wanted to ask me about them and he probably knew that I might have some interest in the subject. I knew enough to know that my job would be best done by keeping silent because the man I was going to talk to knew a good deal more than me about it and, sure enough, he did. For the next ten minutes he expounded on the subject of medals, cures and so on. I recall that it was playful but deeply respectful. He respected and appreciated deeply the solidarity that people were showing to him.

My colleague, Senator Quinn, wishes to have it remembered that even in his illness Brian Lenihan came in here during the last days of the Dáil to help ensure that Senator Quinn's Construction Contracts Bill would pass in the Seanad. It would be one of many fitting tributes to Brian if that Bill were to be brought forward and completed in the Dáil in early course.