Today is 31 January. This day in 1984 is one that I and, indeed, the people that knew and loved Ann Lovett and the community of Granard will never forget. It is much talked about in the media today because it is the 40th anniversary. I saw a comment on X this morning from the National Women's Council, once again using Ann's death as some sort of political football. I do not think anybody can ever understand the pain, hurt and trauma the people that loved and knew Ann and the community of Granard have suffered. It is interesting that none of the media could find anybody in Granard to talk to in recent weeks when the anniversary was coming upon us.

This is the time to let Ann and her baby, and her sister, Patricia, who took her own life three months later, rest. I will always hold her close in my heart. It is the last time I will mention her in the Chamber because I believe it is time. It is time to let her go. I ask the media, and all the groups that feel Ann Lovett's name can be taken as some sort of political football to further their cause, to stop. Let Ann rest in peace and let this be the last day. Let us try to heal from the awful tragedy that happened on this day in January 1984.

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.ie from 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.