Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, extend my sympathy to the Cathaoirleach on the death of his sister and to Senator Coughlan on the death of his mother. When such events occur, we realise the insignificance of the other things about which we worry in life.

Last week I told the House that I was to travel to Westminster and mentioned Rory Stewart, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Most Senators did not know who he was, but he is now seen as the main rival of Boris Johnson for the leadership. Sometimes we watch such contests in anticipation of the result. Whoever becomes leader of the Conservative Party will be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and have a significant impact on our relationship with the United Kingdom, as well as that between the United Kingdom and the European Union. It is not our decision. Last week I thanked Rory Stewart for at least talking about the impact of Brexit on the island of Ireland. Our voice needs to be heard in the United Kingdom, as well as in the European Union.

I hope Senators will forgive me for being self-indulgent. I congratulate the Roscommon football team on their wonderful victory last Sunday. I was at the match in Galway and there was great joy. A humorous video of Paddy Joe the barber jumping up and down with the cup in Roscommon town is doing the rounds. He is one of the loveliest and wisest people in County Roscommon. Sometimes one encounters people who are passionate about football and their own county but who do not like certain other counties or matters. However, Paddy Joe is one of the nicest people I know and does not mind when another county wins the Connacht football championship. It is nice to see such an attitude. Now that Roscommon have won the Connacht championship, I do not mind if Galway or Mayo win the all-Ireland football championship.