Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

It is with great sadness, in a sense, but also great pleasure I am here to say a few words about a person, Billy Lawless, I considered a true parliamentarian and a good friend. I extend my sympathies to Billy's family on their loss but they can take great solace from the fact that he lived a great life and did a huge amount in industry and business. I think his proudest time was his time here in the Seanad. He believed in equality and in treating everybody equally. He respected people irrespective of their background. I can speak very much on the whole area of disability because any time I ever had people with disabilities in here, Billy was always the first to talk to them to share his experiences, not just in this country but his knowledge from the United States.

Of course, when it came to anything to do with the United States, Billy was always our first port of call for advice. It was usually followed by knocking on the door of the Cathaoirleach. Billy had contacts everywhere. He knew people everywhere. He was a man who could get things done. He was somebody who respected politicians, respected public service and respected Ireland. He really endeavoured to leave behind him a better Ireland than the one he was born into.

Despite the fact he had developed very successful businesses in the United States, the west of Ireland and County Galway was always Billy's home. That was always where he wanted to come back to. Billy's family have lost a hero but he is somebody who will always be fondly remembered by those of us who had the privilege to serve with him in Seanad Éireann and by everybody in the House. All the staff in the House had a huge regard for Billy and continue to speak very fondly of him. It is a privilege to be able to speak in the Chamber as part of the tributes to Billy.