James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome to the Seanad the former Cathaoirleach, Rory Kiely, who has been a friend of mine for a while. I also welcome the family of John Carty to the Seanad. I did not know John but from what people have said and from the tributes paid, including the very touching tribute by Senator Wilson, I gather he was one of the old crop and one of the good guys. He was of rural, decent and respected Fianna Fáil people. I gather he did not do airs or graces. From what I heard in the bar earlier when I asked the staff who Senator John Carty was, he was an absolute gentleman. That is how he was described by the people in the bar. He was respected by the workers in Leinster House and respected across the floor. My motto is that we should never look up or down on anyone. From what I gather from the staff, that is how he conducted himself. I wish the family well and I hope they have a good day. It will be nice to be in the bar afterwards exchanging good stories. I imagine there are a couple to tell.