Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join my Labour Party colleagues, and all colleagues, in paying tribute to Senator Norris. To be elected to Seanad Éireann is a privilege in itself for any of us. However, to be elected and to serve alongside a brilliant mind, a brilliant agitator and a brilliant campaigner is indeed a real honour. As Senator Garvey said, as new Senators we obviously would have loved to have seen more of him in this Seanad term but as somebody who was in senior infants when he was first elected to the Seanad, he was the public face and was synonymous with Seanad Éireann. In the minds of thousands of people across this country, he was what Seanad Éireann was meant to be - holding the Government to account, being that independent strong voice and saying things the Dáil often does not allow space for. He leaves an incredible legacy across many aspects of life in Ireland. That we have a much more progressive country now than the country in which he first became politically active is a huge credit to his perseverance, tenacity and campaigning, alongside many others, over those years. Former Senator Mary Robinson has been mentioned a number of times today. I am also conscious that all of us here are here because of the people with us. Tributes have been paid to Miriam and to the rest of the Senator's team. It is enormous credit to see re-election year after year. Politics have become polarised and divisive now, particularly when we look at other countries. However, examples like that given by Senator Norris showed what was possible at a time when it was dark. I love the phrase used by Senator O'Donovan of "the lily among the briars" in showing that change is possible and through perseverance, we can have a different country. I wish him the very best in what hopefully are many years to come. I thank him for all of his work and what he leaves behind in his contribution to Irish life.