Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now hear tributes to the late former Senator, Mr. Feargal Quinn. Before inviting Senators to contribute, I extend a very warm welcome to Feargal’s wife, Denise, to his children, Gilliane, Eamonn and Zoe, his sister Eilagh and his extended family. I also welcome his former staff members, Anne and Bairbre. Also in attendance today are his former Seanad colleagues, Dr. Seán Barrett and Dr. Maurice Manning. On behalf of the Members of the Seanad, I express again our sincere sympathy to all our guests, and I hope that since his death in April, they have been able in their own ways to come to terms with their sad loss.

Feargal Quinn was a unique individual. He was a deeply committed and respected public servant, as well as a highly successful businessman. He was born into a business family so his work ethic was therefore instilled in him at an early age. In Skerries he shone shoes, waited tables and cleaned dishes in the kitchens. No job was beneath him. His down-to-earth approach never left him and he built a brand based on the personal touch, known for its quality and service. He showed his business acumen from an early age and after graduating from University College Dublin, he opened his first supermarket in Dundalk at the age of 23. This was the start of a very successful career in retail.

His contribution to the Irish retail market was matched by his outstanding public service. He was chairman of An Post throughout the 1980s and he brought his hands-on approach to that role as well. I understand that during his first week he worked a full shift delivering post to homes in full postman uniform. He had a deep commitment to charity. Even in the busiest period for retail at Christmas, he was aware of the needs of others and found time to give away hampers in inner-city Dublin. He became the driving force behind the annual Mansion House Christmas day dinner.

His appointment to the Seanad in 1993 began a 23-year career in this House, where he was highly respected as an Independent Senator.His commitment to the Seanad was total, not least in the many Bills he tabled in the House, including the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 to protect building subcontractors, which became law after being supported by the Government of the day.

He did not need the Seanad. He did not take the salary, which I understand he donated to charity. He took his place here because of his deep commitment to Ireland and democracy. He will, of course, be remembered for his central role in the referendum campaign to prevent the abolition of the Seanad in 2013. As a businessman, writer, television personality, public servant and Senator, Feargal Quinn was a hugely popular figure in Irish life.

Personally, he was hugely likeable, pleasant, friendly and good-humoured. He had a sense of integrity, decency and honesty that guided him throughout his life. I might add I was impressed with his sense of style. I always admired his very colourful ties and socks, although I was never brave enough to go down that road myself. He was great fun. Feargal was a Member of this House for 23 years from 1993 to 2016. I had the privilege of serving here with him as a Member of the House. He was an honourable gentleman and a true family man. His family were at the centre of it all. He could have opted for a quieter life but, instead, he took up the challenge and commitment of being a Member of Seanad Éireann. This House was the poorer for his departure on his retirement and Ireland is the poorer for his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.