David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Sinn Féin Party I join in the condolences offered to Bernard's family and friends and join in the glowing tributes paid to him today.

It is impossible for me to follow his Fianna Fáil colleagues who have spoken very eloquently and passionately about his achievements as an individual and politician. I did not know him personally but have heard him described several times over the past 24 hours as "a one-off individual". He worked tirelessly for the people of his native county. He was a politician of high calibre and a true representative of the people. I am sure the people of Donegal, surrounding counties and Ireland as a whole will remember him for all the positive things he did for his county and what he brought to national politics. One does not get re-elected to any chamber or institution time and again unless one has a proven track record and has worked hard and delivered for one's constituents. That Bernard got re-elected and topped the poll on numerous occasions demonstrates his calibre and the esteem in which he was held.

Bernard made a national contribution as a Member of the Seanad. However, I have heard it said that when he was a member of the local authority, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Donegal County Council and also local government. I am sure this served him well when he was standing for Seanad elections. He was obviously highly regarded and commanded the utmost respect nationally and locally owing to his capacity as a politician. On behalf of Sinn Féin and myself, I extend sympathy to his family, his partner Kathleen, his close friends, his extended family and his Fianna Fáil colleagues who are present today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.