Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy in respect of the late Des Hanafin. I welcome his daughter, Mary, his son, John, his grandchildren and his wife, Mona. I served in this Chamber alongside Des Hanafin from 1997 to 2002. I have to say, as Senator Horkan already indicated, he had very strong views. He represented County Tipperary to the best of his ability. He was very involved in local and national issues on behalf of Tipperary.

Des held very strong views. Those views were expressed throughout the length and breadth of the country over many decades. He raised those issues here without fear or favour and he was not afraid to raise any issue at any stage.

Des was a great Fianna Fáil person. He had a very long political career, serving as a public representative for almost 50 years. He must really have been a glutton for punishment because he contested nine Seanad elections. He went around the country from 1960, with no phone, driving poor cars, no communications and maybe a few envelopes. It was a great achievement to contest nine elections and to have served Seanad Éireann for 30 years. Before that, he was elected to serve on North Tipperary County Council.

As Senator Horkan said, Des Hanafin's father was a founding member of Fianna Fáil. Des had a great association with Fianna Fáil, going back to the foundation of the party. That was carried right through and into this Chamber and he was followed here by his son, John. I well remember serving with John in this Chamber and I recall Mary, in her various ministerial capacities, coming here on numerous occasions over a long period. The Hanafin family has given great service, not just to Tipperary but to the country as a whole. It has shaped the history of this country over half a century or maybe a century if we take account of Des Hanafin's father.

As already stated, Des was a great contributor in this Chamber over many years. People took heed of what he said and they listened to his words. He was a strong individual and had a very strong voice. We have all benefited from is strength over the years. I offer my sympathies to his wife, Mona, to Mary and John and to his grandchildren.