Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ba bhreá liom freisin comhbhrón a dhéanamh le muintir Kiely, atá anseo inniu. Gabhaim buíochas le, agus cuirim fáilte roimh, na baill agus na hiarbhaill Oireachtais uilig atá anseo, go háirithe na daoine ó chlann Fhianna Fáil atá anseo inniu chun comhbhrón a dhéanamh le muintir Kiely agus chun cuimhneamh ar bhuanna Rory Kiely agus ar an méid a thug sé do na Tithe seo.

It is an honour to be here today to add my few words of tribute to Rory Kiely, express my sympathy to all of his family and add my words of welcome to the unprecedented number of current and former Members of the Oireachtas who are present to join in these very well-deserved tributes to Rory. I did not have the pleasure of knowing him well but I had the honour of meeting him on a number of occasions. I recall very clearly the first occasion. It was in 2007 when there was an induction for new Seanad Members. It was our first time in the Members' restaurant and Rory was there with some friends and colleagues. He had left the Seanad at that stage having carried out the function of Cathaoirleach for the previous term. I still remember how he went out of his way to welcome me and express warm words of support.That happened again on a few other occasions when I had the pleasure of meeting him. He went out of his way to encourage me in what I was doing.

He was the type of politician I can identify with very easily and have a distinct liking for. Obviously, he came from a rural background, as I also do. He was rooted in many of the great values and ideals of rural Ireland. That was in no way a narrow thing. There was a strong sense of rootedness. I remember other colleagues in all parties, principally Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, but also in the Labour Party, those people from rural areas who have a certain ethos about what it is to be a community person. They do not claim to be right on everything, but they know where they stand on issues. To quote a phrase my father loved, they do not let their feathers go with the wind. They understand the importance of pragmatism, but know that not everything is for sale. I greatly admire that breed of politician and Rory Kiely was certainly in that political mould.

It was mentioned that he received a low first preference vote the first time out. Senator O'Sullivan rightly paid tribute to the ability he showed in being able to attract so many transfers. That comes from being liked and respected, especially in a Seanad election, it also comes from having the homework well done. It is not enough to be liked and respected; a person must have the work ethic to succeed in politics. He always struck me as a quiet and unassuming person, perhaps someone who undersold himself but was very well informed. When it was his moment to perform, he did very well indeed.

Earlier today I was talking to another Rory, the former Ceann Comhairle and Minister for Health, Rory O'Hanlon, who had great affection for Rory Kiely. He recalled the positive role Rory Kiely played when they were abroad together on a number of occasions. I understand the two Rorys led the first Speakers delegation from Ireland to Britain since the foundation of the State. Rory O'Hanlon, who wishes to be associated with today's tributes, recalled that Rory Kiely was always more than able to hold his own. He impressed people by his friendship and engagement. I understand he had a particular friendship and rapport with the then Speaker in Westminster, Michael Martin, funnily enough. It could be said of Rory Kiely, as it might be said of Michael Martin when compared with successive Speakers in Westminster, that he was more understated in style, but always effective.

Rory's success in travelling around the country and getting elected to the Seanad must be considered in the context of how difficult it must have been to be competing for votes on a panel with people like Francie O'Brien and Paddy McGowan. He was always well received and he built up his vote steadily as befitted a man of his capacity and capability.

He was a farmer, of course. He had studied and had a diploma from UCC. He was not just from and of rural Ireland, but determined to contribute to its advancement. It was said that he would insist on appropriate conduct here in the Seanad. I believe a former Clerk of the Seanad gave me to understand that Rory Kiely was responsible for the insertion of the glass panel in front of the Visitors Gallery when somebody in the Gallery was more vocal than they should have been. He understood the dignity of the Houses of the Oireachtas and acted to protect them.

Drawing again on the words of Rory O'Hanlon, Rory Kiely was a very good ambassador for Ireland as well as a very positive and effective politician in these Houses. He developed friendships easily and well. Hopefully now, as we all hope for ourselves, he is developing the greatest friendship of all. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.