Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That just sharpens us.

What can I say about the Opposition Whip, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, who was Government Chief Whip in a previous Parliament I was honoured to be a member of? He made my job very easy. Members have heard all the tributes paid, and he deserves them all. I did not have to do a lot on many occasions. He used to refer me to the foreign office but that was a joke between us. We always got on very well and managed to agree on many issues. The wording for one or two motions were agreed on an all-party basis, thanks be to God. He referred to Senator Norris speaking about moving from this Chamber to a lesser place. I hope I will make it to that lesser place with him.

Senator Norris, the father of the House, was as interesting and amusing as ever when he referred to all of us on this side of the House voting for our extinction in terms of abolishing this House. That was never the case. As true democrats we passed the legislation to allow the people to have their say but I dare say that in the secrecy of the ballot box we did the right thing. Well done to all the Senators. We will met anon. God bless.