Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I am honoured to have the privilege to propose a vote of thanks to Dr. Robinson. Before doing so, I wish to dwell on a couple of minor issues of relevance to our guest. Dr. Robinson, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Cathaoirleach and the President all come from the west. If that proves anything, it is that Oliver Cromwell was wrong.

I became a Member of the Seanad in the year Dr. Robinson left, 1989. In 1990, when Dr. Robinson was travelling the country and fighting her presidential campaign, my sister and I visited Romania. The purpose of our going there was to enable my sister to adopt two Romanian boys who are now adults. On the day Dr. Robinson was elected President, I recall leaving Bucharest at approximately 4 a.m. This was just after the overthrow of Ceaucescu and in addition to it being a cold morning, the general atmosphere was chilly. As a result, we encountered difficulty in flying back to London. I must confess that when I eventually arrived back in Bantry in west Cork at 8 p.m., I cast my vote for the late Brian Lenihan Snr. When my sister eventually adopted her two children and brought them back to Ireland, I had the good fortune to act as godfather to one of them. At the christening my sister informed me that she had been privileged and honoured to vote for Mary Robinson. I have seven sisters, most of whom live abroad. However, if the others lived here, I believe they would have followed her example.

As a person from west Cork and as Leas-Chathaoirleach, I am honoured to inform the House - many Senators will already know this - that Dr. Robinson launched her presidential campaign in Allihies on the Beara Peninsula. As one of the people who founded the Sheep's Head Way - Slí Muintir Bháire - walk, I have very fond memories of being master of ceremonies at the top of the Goat's Path on the occasion Dr. Robinson unveiled a beautiful stone seat on which is inscribed some of Seamus Heaney's poetry. I spoke to her, as Gaelige, that morning about the ceo draíochta. There was a wonderful mist hanging over the peninsula on that occasion but it cleared once Dr. Robinson arrived. I do not know if she exercised any spiritual influence over the mist, but it was a wonderful occasion.

I have fond memories of the way in which the role of President evolved during Dr. Robinson's term of office. While in office, she visited St. James's Church - Church of Ireland - in Durrus and, close to where I live in Bantry, CoAction West Cork's St. Joseph's workshop for the mentally disadvantaged. She also visited places in Schull and Mizen Head. I have great memories of her visits to west Cork.

Recently I was honoured to represent this Parliament at a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bern where I spoke about Ireland's contribution in dealing with the terrible situation on the Horn of Africa and was fortunate enough to hear a speech delivered by Ban Ki-Moon. On the night before I returned home I was having a meal when I was approached by an African gentleman who was approximately 60 years of age. He had probably heard the old west Cork brogue and asked, "Conas atá tú?" I was somewhat startled, but he smiled and informed me that he had attended UCC and played rugby for, I believe, Dolphin in Cork. He then asked, "How is the esteemed Mary Robinson?" I think he was Nigerian and certainly caught me off guard when he asked, "Conas atá tú?" It is interesting that when one visits different parts of the world, one can be reminded of the importance - in more ways than one - of Dr. Robinson to Ireland.

It is a singular privilege and honour for me to propose a vote of thanks to Dr. Robinson. I extend our gratitude and express very deep appreciation for the honour she has bestowed on this Chamber and every Member present. Go raibh míle maith ag an Dochtúir Máire Mhic Róibín, duine fíor-uasal.