Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

We had an opportunity to say a few words yesterday. I hope Members will understand if there is some repetition today. I thank the Leader for his kind words and the Government for the assistance it gave to Brian Lenihan's family. I refer to the preparations for the funeral and the opening of books of condolence, for example. My wife's family comes from Dublin West. When I went to Laurel Lodge on Saturday, I was taken with the depth of feeling in the area. Some 9,000 people, many of whom are not of any political persuasion or of all, queued for hours to sign the books of condolence. One could feel how upset people were, particularly in Dublin West, having lost a friend. Brian was a friend, first and foremost, to all of us. He took an absolute interest in those of us who started out in politics in 2004. I was what was termed a "lowly councillor" at that stage.

Brian Lenihan had a deep knowledge of every constituency and every facet of life. He was always there to help and to assist. His death is a tragic loss for us in Fianna Fáil and for all parliamentarians. We have lost a friend and a genuinely great politician. In some instances, there is a tendency to overstate what people were about and what others felt about them. The one measure of Brian is that people said good words about him when he was here as well. He always showed incredible courtesy and respect in his dealings and engagement with people. He never rushed. He gave time to everyone.

Brian Lenihan had immense respect for this House. It is appropriate that, later this evening, we will discuss the first part of the reform of the Seanad. Many of my colleagues will be aware that, as Minister for Finance, Brian spent hours in this House, particularly on the night of the bank guarantee. He respected this House and the mandate everyone held. At the funeral Mass yesterday, we saw the hundreds of people who had travelled to that beautiful church out in west Dublin. The heartfelt tributes paid to him over recent days really have hit a public mood in relation to him.

When he was diagnosed with his illness, Brian had the ability when all of us were working to make one forget that he was battling such a battle because he kept working in the interests of the country. Every decision he took and every initiative he brought about, from when he was Minister of State with responsibility for children, through the justice portfolio, finance and, indeed, when he was Chairman of the all-party committee on the Constitution, was in the interests of the country. He was what one would term a true patriot. He was someone who put his country first in everything he did.

On behalf of our side of the House, I formally express sympathy with his wife Patricia, his children, Tom and Clare, his mother Ann, his brothers and sisters, especially Conor, a former colleague of ours, and Mary O'Rourke, a former Leader of the House, who are deeply upset at this time. I hope the thousands of people who turned out for Brian and who signed the books of condolence, and the messages, cards and letters that have been sent from all over the world will be of some consolation and comfort to them at this difficult time.

The second reading at the Mass yesterday was from the second letter of St. Paul to St. Timothy, which, I believe, from talking to people, was one that Brian selected himself. It finishes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." That is really what Brian encapsulated to me. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.