Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his words. I might use this time to pay tribute to John Connor. The thoughts of Senators are with his friends and his family, and the many Oireachtas colleagues, Deputies, Senators and councillors across County Roscommon who knew him well. His passing is shocking and sudden. I spoke to him on Monday last. He attended the Fine Gael conference that took place in Maynooth before Christmas. He travelled from Frenchpark to the conference where he met many friends and colleagues. His death is very sudden for many people.

John was a Fine Gael representative for the Roscommon area for close to three decades. He was elected first as TD for Roscommon-Galway in 1981 and he retired from public representation when he stepped down in 2009. His life was one of immense public service for the benefit of the people of counties Roscommon and Galway, and at a national level.

John was an intellectual of huge depth and conviction. Every time you spoke with him, you knew that he had such huge knowledge. As a politician, he combined being passionate about local affairs with his enormous commitment on an international level. In 1992, he was appointed by the then Fine Gael leader, John Bruton, as the Dáil's Opposition spokesperson on European affairs. He was deputy leader of Fine Gael in Seanad Éireann and served as spokesperson on foreign affairs, justice and other portfolios.

John really cared for people at home, and at an international level too.I think that was a real interest of his. I know it is a difficult time for the people of Frenchpark, Roscommon and Galway.

I wish to say “Thank you”. I am fortunate to be here and to have been nominated as a Senator because it gave me the opportunity to get to know John and speak with him. I am grateful for advice that everybody gives. I am grateful for all of that.

Finally, he really did his utmost and it never stopped. Even when he was speaking to me, it was on behalf of his local community and it was about engaging again. May he rest in peace.