Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Labour Party group in the Seanad I join in the expression of condolences to the family and friends of the late Bernard McGlinchey who died in April. As others have said, he was a long-serving Senator for Fianna Fáil and served from 1961 to 1982. I did not know him. I know, having listened to the tributes paid to him and reading some of his obituaries, that he was a legend in Letterkenny and Donegal. He was very well established in the Fianna Fáil Party in the county. He was also a Senator who served over different periods, both as an elected member and as a Taoiseach's nominee. He had a very long career in the Seanad and other Senators have spoken of some of his work in the Seanad. The point that stood out in his obituaries is his record for speaking for 12 hours on the marts Bill. It is an extraordinary achievement by any standard and certainly by today's standards. I am glad that nobody has tried to beat his record during the current session of the Seanad.

On a serious note, I extend condolences and sympathies, on behalf of the Labour Party group, to his family and wide circle of friends and connections in Donegal.