Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is how the Seanad works. I recall in 1989 that he became almost an accidental Deputy and he would admit it himself. Suddenly, the late Denis Gallagher decided not to contest the Dáil election and Martin J, after being a lifetime councillor and Senator, had the opportunity of standing for the Dáil. He got great pleasure in achieving election to Dáil Éireann for Mayo West. Most of us in the House remember him as the Senator who presided in the House in a calm, gentle and genteel fashion. Senator Norris summed him up well. He always spoke with a smile on his face and he was certainly a very pleasant colleague to have around.

He was also one of the minority who, upon leaving politics, came back here regularly and that was something very positive. I am disappointed that so few of our colleagues who have left politics, voluntarily or otherwise, come back to participate in the social side of Leinster House. Martin J. was here regularly and always kept us up-to-date with the events from the west.

He made a Trojan contribution to politics. He was, as Senator MacSharry said, of a different political era. One would never associate press releases, Twitter accounts or Facebook with Martin J. O'Toole. His politics was face-to-face, direct and people-orientated. Whether a person was of his party or any other party he treated them with great respect and that is why he is remembered so fondly and kindly in the House.

It was an outstanding achievement to be first elected in 1955 and to still be active in public life until almost the turn of the century. That shows a profound and deep commitment far beyond party politics, a commitment to community and people, and that is his lasting legacy. His was a lifetime of commitment, decency and no cross words or bitterness or silly party-political argument. He was a doyen of the House. He was a tower of strength for his political party and, above all, to his county and family. I assure his family that those of us who were privileged to know him have nothing but very pleasant memories of him.