Controversy follows tributes to Tony Kett

SEANAD REPORT:THERE WAS controversy when the House adjourned following tributes to Fianna Fáil Senator Tony Kett who was buried in Dublin yesterday.

Pearse Doherty (SF) told The Irish Timesit was "an absolute disgrace" that there was an adjournment in the middle of an economic crisis. He said that he had not been given advance notice of the adjournment.

“It gives legitimacy to those who are questioning if there is merit in retaining the Seanad,”he said.

“While it is proper that tributes be paid to a recently deceased member, the state of the country has also to be borne in mind.”

It is understood that the adjournment was agreed in advance with the main parties and groups in the Seanad.

In the chamber, a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect.

Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan (FF) described Mr Kett as a good-humoured, committed and sincere public representative who had made a huge contribution to Irish political life.

“Tony had been a member of this House since 1997,” he added.

“As a nominee of the Central Remedial Clinic, he successfully contested three Seanad elections on the administrative panel.”

Leader of the House Donie Cassidy said that Mr Kett had used his remarkable organisational skills to help his life-long friend, Bertie Ahern, establish the Dublin Central organisation as one of the country’s most effective political units. “He will long be remembered as a brilliant political strategist,” he added.

Mr Cassidy said that Mr Kett had first entered public life in 1988, when he was co-opted to the then Dublin Corporation. He had demonstrated considerable ability.

Frances Fitzgerald (FG) said she admired the commitment Mr Kett had shown to the House, even when extremely ill. He had turned up to vote and go about his business.

Alex White (Labour) said Mr Kett was a friendly and courteous man. “He bore his illness with dignity and fortitude,”he added.

Joe O’Toole (Independent) said that Mr Kett had displayed great compassion for children with special needs and for those in the whole area of the disadvantaged.

Dan Boyle (GP) said he would especially remember the cordiality which Mr Kett had extended to all members of the House.

Ann Ormonde (FF) said she had shared an office with Mr Kett for more than 12 years, adding that she trusted him implicitly for political advice. She added that his popularity in Leinster House had led the party whips on all sides to facilitate him during his illness in any way they could. He had appreciated this because he wanted to do what he saw as his democratic duty, she added.

“Tony had a great personality. He was a teaser, full of banter and laughs,” said Ms Ormonde. “I recall being with him at many social gatherings when, at the end of the evening, Tony, who was a beautiful singer, would give his rendition of The Town I Loved So Well. All those gathering would gravitate towards Tony who became a leader in his own right.”