SEANAD REPORT:WARM TRIBUTES were paid on all sides of the House to Fianna Fáil Senator Peter Callanan who died last Sunday.

Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan said the sudden and untimely death of their colleague had shocked and saddened everyone. Mr Callanan had served in political office, as a councillor and senator, for 30 years and had successfully contested three Seanad elections. He was well regarded in his west Cork community and his knowledge of issues relating to agriculture was valued by his colleagues in the House.

Mr Moylan and party and group representatives in the House extended their sympathies to Mr Callanan’s wife Sheila, sons Gerard, Liam, David and Denis, and daughters Deirdre and Fionnuala.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy described Mr Callanan as an excellent orator. “He was often involved in heated discussions on matters close to his heart . . . He wasn’t afraid to be controversial or to take an unpopular stand if he believed it to be the right thing to do. Peter was an extremely able and astute politician who worked resolutely on behalf of the people he served.”

Maurice Cummins (FG) said Mr Callanan would be fondly remembered. On behalf of Fine Gael, he offered condolences to his family and also to his Fianna Fáil colleagues who, in a short period of time, had lost two wonderful members of the House.

“Peter didn’t speak too often in this House, but when he did, I think he spoke with clarity, with elegance and, indeed, passion, especially on his main interest, which was agriculture and supporting small farm families.”

Joe O’Toole (Ind) said Mr Callanan was a man with politics in his bloodstream and Fianna Fáil in the marrow of his bones. “He died in office in the way he would have wanted to. He was here for the last vote last Thursday and he did his duty in doing what he loved.”

Alex White (Lab) recalled Mr Callanan as a most courteous and agreeable man. Deirdre de Búrca (GP) said that on her arrival as a new senator, Mr Callanan had been the first member to extend the hand of friendship to her.

A minute’s silence was observed and the sitting was adjourned until tomorrow as a mark of respect.