Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----that I did not get an opportunity to congratulate Senator Ian Marshall yesterday. I am impressed by his vision to drive future growth by building relationships and sales between the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the EU and the rest of the world. That is one of his objectives. My grandparents, Elizabeth McCann and John McVeigh, came from Lurgan in County Armagh. Senator Marshall is also resident in Armagh. I think that is wonderful. I commiserate with the other candidates who sought election. I also welcome Senator Anthony Lawlor back to these Houses. He has been out for two years. He was a Member of the Dáil and a very effective representative for Kildare. It was difficult for him to lose his seat in 2016 but it was a great day for himself and his family when he returned to the Houses and came to Seanad Éireann. As one who knows, I note one cannot savour victory unless one suffers defeat. He has suffered that period. Both Senators will make a very big contribution to this House, as would have all the other candidates who went forward in that by-election. We wish the ones who were successful well, particularly Senator Marshall. He has worked with the Ulster Farmers Union and I have heard about his work in the European Union. He was certainly opposed to Brexit. He is a very good voice for Northern Ireland in this House.