Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Norris and wish him well. When I first met him, he had come to Boyle for the arts festival. He performed his James Joyce show. I am one of those Senators who tried to read Ulysses, but it was above me. Senator Norris entertained. His language was magical. He made James Joyce much more approachable to middle Ireland. He was ahead of the curve.I wish to God he was my teacher many years ago as I might have had a decent job rather than ending up a politician. He was eccentric and in the vanguard of the gay civil rights movement in Ireland, for which he will be remembered as well.

Senator Norris was always very helpful when I came into the Seanad. He would sit behind me telling me to keep standing and to keep talking. I think most Senators appreciate that he took the time to be friendly and helpful.

I have one funny story which Senator Norris does not know. Two years ago we were going to the American ambassador's residence for the 4 July party. In front of our car was an old-fashioned car. Security personnel were checking cars for explosives. Senator Norris jumped out of the car and said, "It is not my car." If it was anyone else, there would have been a security alert. However, everyone looked around and said, "That's only David Norris; it's okay." We were laughing in the back of the car.

Senator Daly is absolutely right. We are in an interesting and dangerous situation regarding Brexit. I hope there will be a deal. We have to put on the record of the Seanad again, however, that Ireland is on par with the United Kingdom for the first time in 800 years and that power and influence must be used in a correct way. We must work together in the United Kingdom and Europe to ensure that whatever happens is as good a deal for the United Kingdom, Europe and ourselves. We are in a very eventful situation for the future of the island of Ireland and, if it is handled right, we can influence things not just in the UK and Europe but around the world. We are in a very influential and interesting situation.