John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish my good friend and colleague, Jimmy Harte, all the best on his retirement. It is a sad day for Leinster House when we lose somebody of the calibre of Jimmy. Jimmy is a gentleman and one of the most decent people I have met. His contribution to Seanad Éireann has been exemplary, as was his dedication to public service. Jimmy seldom stood up without first thinking how his contribution would further the public good and that was obvious from all his contributions in the Seanad. His insight, wit and general good form were a tonic to us all.

Jimmy's contribution continues a long tradition in his family of political service. His father, Paddy, was a man of his time and exhibited the same attributes as Jimmy, such as courage in the face of what were sometimes unpopular political positions. I wish his wife, Mary, and his family, Amy, Lochlainn and Michael, and little Saidbh who is probably watching us on the television today, the very best and we hope that Jimmy's recovery continues and that he is back to the top of his health in no time at all.