Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As a university and Independent Senator, you had a remarkable but sometimes - at the start, certainly - difficult career. I started in 1989. You came into the House sometimes swimming against the tide. In that regard, it reminds me an aguisín a lady living close to where I grew up said to my mother: you were the lily among the briars for a long time. In fairness, you stood out and the lily survived.

Looking back over approximately 50 years or more, when you came out openly as gay, which at that time was very courageous and, I suppose, an historic event, it was not an easy decision. Society, in particular the church I was affiliated to, the Catholic Church, actually suppressed all of that idea. I know things have come a long way and the wheel has fully turned, but you were the person who stood proudly behind that.

As a former Cathaoirleach, Leas-Chathaoirleach and colleague, I found you extremely courteous to the office of the Chair and to colleagues here. Your contributions were forthright and concise, and there was no blathering. If you got the bit between your teeth, it was very hard to stop you. You did not suffer fools gladly either, which is an accolade for you.

I must commend you in particular on one issue. In 2013, there was a referendum for the abolition of the Seanad. Had it not been for you, some of your Independent colleagues and people thinking outside the box in Ireland at the time, the Seanad would have been gone. The success rate was 51.7% to 48.3%, so it was a narrow majority. Had it not been for the likes of you standing firm on that issue, the Cathaoirleach would not be here and this Chamber would have gone back to being a ballroom.

Without being in any way facetious or rubbing your ego, in many ways within this Chamber you were a gem. You were a voice for the deprived and you spoke eloquently and passionately on many issues, although I will not go into them all. You were very wise, prudent and knowledgeable on many of the issues that came before us here on justice, the Constitution or other issues.

You had one small failing. You did not know a lot about the fishing industry.