John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to speak today about our great friend, the late Senator Paul Coghlan. I had the honour and privilege of working for Senator Coghlan between 2016 and 2020. I say this genuinely: I have memories, stories, advice and so many things that I will use, not just in my political career but in my life for decades to come, that I was able to learn from Paul Coghlan. Very few politicians enter Leinster House and leave it with the huge number of friends he had and goodwill across all political parties and from everyone in this House. That is a testament to the jovial but, more important, kind nature and kind-hearted personality Paul had. He truly was one of a kind.

Everyone talks about his famous election victory in 2016. He was described as Lazarus because through every Seanad count he survived by one vote or half a vote and came out of nowhere to keep his seat. However, perhaps his most famous win was the 2002 Seanad election when Fine Gael had a meltdown election. The order went out from headquarters to make sure no incumbent Senators kept their seat because we needed to elect people who could win Dáil seats in 2007. Paul Coghlan and Paddy Burke were the two Senators who survived. The general secretary of Fine Gael constantly referred to Paul Coghlan as the one who got away in the 2002 Seanad election because he was so well regarded by all councillors and Members all around this county. Today we are thinking of Peggy and his family. He truly was one of a kind and he will be remembered in this place for many years to come.