Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Senator Wilson's generosity in his remarks epitomises the spirit in the Seanad. It is also a great tribute to Senator Joe O'Reilly. There is a bit of a scene. Senator Norris left out Monaghan. The constituency is Cavan-Monaghan. Many careers that were launched in Cavan-Monaghan crashed and burned. When Senator O'Reilly had his success postponed in 2007, there was another wannabe on the ballot paper. There were about 16 runners and riders. I was in the loser's camp on that occasion. There was a lovely collegiality in the count centre, and Joe was always very inclusive, warm and consoling to those two great imposters, victory and defeat, in exactly the same way. In parts of Cavan and Monaghan he is endearingly known as Gentleman Joe, a gentleman to his fingertips and a wise person. I am confident that in his new and important role he will put co-operation before confrontation and inclusivity before exclusivity.

Although I am long since happily ensconced in the lilywhite county of Kildare, I come from Monaghan. There is a lovely respect in our constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. It does not extend to the Ulster championship. If Iraq was to play Monaghan in the first round of the Ulster championship, in Monaghan we would worry who Cavan would support. When a team from the province of Ulster qualifies, there is always 110% well-wishing and support for that team to go through.

The class of 2007 really goes back to 1999. So many people have made acquaintances: Senator Joe O'Reilly, Senator Wilson, Senator Gallagher and the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. A then very young Deputy Matt Carthy and I were elected at the same time in 1999. There is a lot of respect. Politics can be brutal at times. It is tough and, without patronising the profession, a real vocation. I think all politicians have great empathy, understanding and respect for one another as we all go about trying to do our best. I know and I am assured that Senator O'Reilly will do his absolute very best in this new role.

Senator Warfield is just like me in 2007, I am afraid to say. It is never over until it is over, but if there were a bookmaker in the House he or she would say Senator Warfield could be a few votes short today. I hope that will be only a postponement of his success because it is great to see young people going forward. We should celebrate the fact that there is a contest today. There is nothing wrong with democratic contest; in fact, it strengthens the mandate of the successful person and doubles the resolve of the person who would be his or her successor, temporarily postponed. I wish Senator Joe O'Reilly well on this occasion. Although we cannot always be taken for granted, the Green Party is in Senator O'Reilly's camp.