Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not going to get involved in what Senator Keogan said, but I remind everybody that Ann Lovett still has very close family members alive and living in this country.

I want to spend a few minutes paying tribute to the former Fine Gael TD, Senator and councillor, John Connor, from Roscommon. I understand tributes were paid yesterday, but I was not available at the time. John Connor was an excellent politician, a fantastic orator and a highly intelligent man. He represented his county and his region with dignity. He was a very witty character as well. One only has to look at the number of tributes on rip.iefrom across the political spectrum to see how well liked he was.

Just a few weeks before Christmas, I actually bumped into him outside Mitchell's post office in Frenchpark village and he was in good form. Initially, I was rushing to something else and I was not going to go down the street to talk to him, but now I am glad I did because it was the last conversation I had with him. He will be well remembered for the way he represented people. Yes, he was a great man for the political cut and thrust, but he was deeply respectful to all his colleagues as well. May he rest in peace.

Senator Hoey brought up the issue of funding for Gaza. I had to look to see where she was because I could not see her over there. I am glad she has come to this side of the House.