Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

He has taken stances and principled positions on issues that perhaps did not always generate unanimity. It has been his strength that he has stuck to his principles. I have had the pleasure of working with him on a group he set up in this House some years ago called the human dignity group. As the name suggests, it is about the preservation of human dignity and it has attracted support from all sides of this House and from the other House. That is his legacy and in a way, a voice has been stilled. I hope that the stances, policies and principled positions taken by Senator Walsh on issues, which are basic to civilisation and humanity, will be continued in the new Seanad. I have no doubt he too will continue in that regard.

I thank my friends and colleagues on all sides of the House for their continuing courtesy. To echo the words of Senator Leyden, the nominations by the Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, to this House were unique and unprecedented. Those of us who have worked with the Independent group know the nominations have enhanced this House considerably with their presence. Irrespective of what they do, I wish them well in their careers. Some will be running for re-election and others may be bowing out of public life but they too have left a rich legacy in this House and I wish them well.