Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Shinn Féin, ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le clann an iarSheanadóir Des Hanafin a fuair bás i mí an Mheithimh. On my behalf and that of Sinn Féin, I extend my sympathy and condolences to the family and loved ones of former Senator Des Hanafin following his death in June. While in many instances my politics are the mirror opposite of those held by Senator Hanafin, his almost 33 years in this Chamber show a significant commitment to public life and duty, which should be admired. I share the privilege of having served as a mayor or cathaoirleach, in my case I was 21 whereas Des was 22. There is probably no better example of his service than his children Mary and John who went on to have distinguished careers in national politics.

While I was waiting to speak I was recalling the pure excitement and buzz of Mary's ministerial visits to my primary school, St. Louis in Rathmines. Senator Des Hanafin retired from the Seanad in 2002, leaving this Chamber with the honour of having been Leader of the House. In conclusion, I extend my sympathies to his children, Mary and John, to his loving wife, Mona, and to the Fianna Fáil Party. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.