Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte mór go dtí an Teach roimh Mona agus a clann uilig. Tá mé cinnte go bhfuil siad iontach bródúil as saol Des. I welcome Mona Hanafin, Mary and John Hanafin and the grandchildren of Des Hanafin to the House this afternoon. I also acknowledge the presence of Deputies Cahill and Mattie McGrath. I am sure the Hanafin family can be very proud of the legacy of Des. He made a huge contribution, not just to Irish life but also to Fianna Fáil. He served for almost 30 years in this House, during which time he contested nine elections. I can only imagine how difficult it was to drive around the country years ago, when there were no motorways or sat navs. Many in this room will know that it is difficult enough to find councillors at the best of times, but I cannot imagine what it would be like without motorways and sat navs. I am sure that Des is looking down here today and is very proud of the fact that his family continue to carry the baton of political life, through Mary and John, and indeed Seamus in Tipperary. The Hanafin family will forever be carved into Irish history, for all good reasons, and I am delighted to have the opportunity today to sympathise with Mona and the family. I am sure that this time of year is difficult, but they can rest assured that Des and the Hanafin family will always be held in very high esteem, not just in this Chamber but indeed throughout the country.