Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar an gcéad dul síos, ar mo shon féin agus ar son Fhine Gael, cuirim fíorfháilte roimh mhuintir Quinn, go háirithe roimh a bhean chéile, Denise. Táimid tar éis éisteacht le scéalta an-deas faoi fhear uasal macánta. In one of his last interviews he remarked that he had left the world a better place than when he came to it and had left more people smiling than scowling. I commend Members of the House for their wonderful tributes to our late colleague and friend, Feargal Quinn. I welcome the Quinn family, including the extended family, and his former secretary, Ms Anne O'Broin, to the House. On these occasions we remember and reflect, sometimes in sadness. Today we remember and reflect on a life well-lived and a parliamentary career well-served. Members have mentioned his 17 Bills but, as Senator McDowell has said, what is more important is the way in which one could disagree with the former Senator profoundly - as I did on many occasions - but still have a discussion with him based on respect and mutual admiration for one another's points of view.

Recognised with five honorary doctorates, he was a champion for an honours system for the country. We should all take up such legislation. He was the father to five wonderful children and the grandfather to 19. He was a tremendous husband and, as we have heard today, a wonderful parliamentarian. He was a successful businessman, an entrepreneur beyond, and a broadcaster. Looking at his biography one sees books written, lives transformed, people employed, and people encouraged. Whether we are Hindu, Jew, atheist, or Christian, the life Feargal Quinn lived was one of helping others and reaching out. His guiding principle in everything he did was people-centred. As parliamentarians and politicians, we have a duty to remember that in what we do in this House and beyond. The people, or the customer, is what is most important. As someone said, the customer is king. He was a very gentle, noble man and a professional.

He was transformative in his 23 years in the House. Senator Norris made reference to his election. He first ran for the Seanad in 1973. Senator Paddy Burke made reference to golf. One of the quotes of his I always liked was that the number of votes he got was lower than his golf handicap. I will let Members deduce from that. We should be thankful that he came back to win a seat in 1993, from which he made an immeasurable contribution to political life, civic society and his own community. When we remember Members we seldom see former Members come to the House. The friendships he built with former Senators Barrett and Manning is an enduring legacy of his career in the House. He built bridges and encouraged people. I remember when I came out during the campaign for the marriage equality referendum he sent me a lovely note to congratulate me. He thanked me on the corridor and said "Well done" and that we need leaders.

I offer his family our deepest sympathies. Déanaimid comhbhrón leo. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.