Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I express my sympathy to Denise and Feargal's family on behalf of the Labour Senators. Listening to the array of tributes paid by other colleagues in the Seanad, I am struck by the really moving stories of the immense influence Feargal Quinn had on so many across this House and beyond, the way he encouraged and promoted people and was always so courteous and kind to people. That really fits my own memory of Feargal. I was honoured to serve with him in the Seanad between 2007 and the last election and was part of the group of Independent Senators with him for some time. Although we did not always agree politically, I always got on so well with him. He was always so kind. Others have noted how he was always courteous and how he was a real gentleman. He also had a lovely mischievous sense of humour as exemplified by the colourful socks and tie. It is a pity that Senator McDowell did not emulate Senator Quinn's socks because they added a lovely touch to life and business in the Seanad Chamber.

He was always extremely professional. Others have spoken about his enormous workload and the number of Private Members' Bills he brought forward. Key to the way he worked in the Seanad was always being co-operative, working on a cross-party basis and seeking to ensure consensus and to bring forward legislation.

He was very good at mentoring newer Senators, of whom I was one. I remember him telling me not to mind how short the space of time I had to speak was and to always just make my point in as succinct a way as possible. He was a master of that. If someone asked him whether he would share time with him or her, he would always be happy to do so because he was able to get often very complex points across in a very short space of time. I will take that advice and finish on that point. I will just say how much we miss him in the Seanad and how much affection he was held in by all of us here and beyond. I remember canvassing with him when we campaigned during the referendum on the retention of the Seanad. I saw how people flocked to him in Dublin city centre because he was held in such esteem and regarded with affection by so many people. I repeat how much we sympathise with his family to whom we offer our sympathies and how much we miss him here.