Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague. When I first heard that Barry Sullivan was retiring, my reaction was, Say it ain't so. I have been in this body for 5 years, and one of the first people I met in orientation was Barry Sullivan. And as a son of Boston myself, as an Irish Catholic myself, as somebody whose family vacations in Cape Code periodically, in Falmouth, where Barry also vacations, I felt I was at home. I felt that there was a human face to this institution who cared about it passionately, who had ties to Tip O'Neill and Joe Moakley, two great heroes in my family's household back in Boston. I think Barry has provided incredible service to the people's body, to this House, and has tried to ease stress, has tried to make our lives more comfortable. I cannot imagine what we are all going to do when our pager goes off and we don't hear that Boston staccato: There will be four votes; this is the last series of the day. That is Barry Sullivan. And if you come from New England, those are comforting tones. Barry has contributed 33 years to this institution. I don't think he ever lost a sense of reverence for what this institution is all about; and I think, in showing that reverence, he reminds those of us who hold elective office here just how privileged we are to serve in the people's body. He never lost sight of that, and I hope none of us will either. Barry, I think that is your lasting legacy. Thank you to you and your wonderful wife, Barbara, and your three kids. Enjoy retirement.…”