Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mar fhocal scoir, although that is the Cathaoirleach's right, obviously. I feel somewhat like Senator Ó Donnghaile when he said earlier that he had not really planned to speak today. As Senator McDowell said, we could have had another sitting or two, perhaps. Who knows? I do not have anything planned to say as such, and following all that eloquence and wit, one feels at a loss. I certainly do. I intend to be brief. I do not think I have ever been long-winded. I am not saying any of the Senators are long-winded but I do admire the way many of them were able to fill space, and my God they did it with some style.

I wish simply to endorse and agree with all that has been said by way of all the kind and generous thank yous to the Cathaoirleach and to Mr. Martin Groves, Ms Bridget Doody, Ms Aisling Hart, Ms Carol Judge, Ms Ilinca Popa and all the other staff. I thank my parliamentary assistant, Mr. John McGahon. I wish him well in Louth. I also thank Ms Mary O'Connor in the office. She has helped me out a few days a week. I thank Ms Karen Warren. I thank them for all their help and assistance. I wish everyone well, whether in this House, the other House or whatever other house. One never knows where any of us will end up. I have certainly enjoyed my time here, and I hope I might enjoy more time here. Who knows? I am anxious to be with all the Senators in whatever guise.