Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call the Leader, I wish to pay a brief tribute to Jimmy Walsh. I have known him for a long time, as I have been in the Houses for approximately 18 years. I have become a friend of his. We have often exchanged ideas and so on. I am unsure as to whether he would see fit to accept a nomination to the House. If he did, he might find himself the lily among the briars.

Jimmy is the type of journalist that never played the man. From my knowledge of him and from reading his articles, he always played the ball and was fair. Many young and not-so-young journalists would do well to study and emulate what he has achieved. His contribution to journalism and his adherence to high standards, fairness and decency stick out strongly. Low standards in journalism are as pathetic and as damaging and demeaning to society as they are in politics, for which we are often criticised.

I consider Jimmy to be a gentleman, a scholar and a good judge of whiskey. I wish him many more laps of Marley Park and a happy retirement. I hope that when he retires from journalism, he will occupy himself by writing a book and returning to Leinster House sometime when the straitjacket of his work is not upon him so that some of the Senators who have known him for a long time can spend a social occasion with him, perhaps a meal.