It is my painful duty to-day to bring to the notice of the Seanad the deaths within the Recess of two of our members.
Both these members contributed much to the prestige of the Seanad and their passing away will be felt with deep regret by all their colleagues.
They had both identified themselves with the building up of national institutions and have made their mark on public life.
Senator Brennan, whose death was the earlier, was first elected at the September, 1938, Seanad General Election and sat until 1944. He was re-elected at the April, 1948, Election.
Senator Brennan was deeply interested in the work of the Seanad and was in constant attendance until, in recent months, his health deteriorated. He was a prominent figure in the commercial life of the country and was especially noted for his generous support of all cultural and artistic movements.
Senator Campbell was elected to the Seanad in September, 1938; was nominated to the Seanad at the General Elections of the Seanad of 1943 and 1944, and in the General Election of 1948 he was again elected.
Senator Campbell entered wholeheartedly into all movements, whether national, social or philantropic, giving of his best and unsparingly. At an early age he became a member of the Irish Volunteers. He was associated with the Sinn Féin movement from its foundation. His work for trade unionism, industrial development, social services and as a member of various commissions cannot be chronicled in this brief statement. Every Senator is familiar with them. To the last, in spite of failing health and his almost complete loss of sight, he continued to take his place in the Seanad.
To the widow and relatives of both these men, I shall convey, with your assent, your sympathy and appreciation. Solas Dé dá n-anam.