Feargal Quinn (Independent)

We met at mass because everybody went, but Myles was a devout man. He had a strong sense of religion and the importance of the next life. I hope he is looking down on us. I wish he was here today.

There is a lovely O. Henry story which I have told before about people getting an invitation to a funeral of somebody who was very old. They went to her home and she met them at the door. They said they thought it was her funeral. She said she was not going to wait until she died, and that she wanted to see everyone again and would enjoy meeting them. I hope Myles is looking down on us and would enjoy this occasion because he loved the House and the mixture of politics and business.

I always admired him from an early age. He was in business and was able to mix politics with it. He became an idol and model for me to emulate. I saw what he did and wondered if it was possible for me to follow. We were competitors from that point of view. Myles came here on a regular basis and we would check up on each other and how we were doing. As I mentioned, he married two years after I did and ended up with five children, as did I. I have not checked to see how many grandchildren there are, but there was competition in terms of children and grandchildren.

What impressed me about Myles was his ability to be able to concentrate on business to the benefit of his local community. I and my wife visited Myles and Marianne. He took us to the seaweed factory and showed us what he was doing. His commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to the people of that part of the world was evident. In recent times I visited Knock airport. Every time people mention Monsignor Horan they also mention Myles Staunton because it was one of his projects. I did not realise until recently the extent to which he defended Knock airport in this House because it was criticised. He did so because he felt sure it was the right thing to do.

It was not until after his death I found out he was a Fulbright scholar and was educated through the American system. My memory of Myles will be of a person who was full of fun, craic, humour and great company. Senator Mooney was correct when he said he came from a family of people who devoted themselves to the community. He devoted itself to the next generation which is an interesting tribute to pay to somebody. The next generation will benefit, not just in Westport and the west but Ireland as a whole, from the example he set.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to say a few words about Myles Staunton. I am delighted to have met Marianne and his family. One son is in Australia and is unable to return. I hope Myles is enjoying today, and is looking down and is proud of her, his five children, the days he spent in this House and the other House and his contribution not just to business but to politics. His work has benefited the community and Ireland. He has set an example many others would surely wish to follow.