Speaker, a young lady who works in our offices reminded me last week that Parliament would be bidding farewell to hon Mike Ellis today. "Gee, Parliament will miss him!" she said. I was intrigued that she even noticed, and I agreed that the sittings in the House would certainly not be the same without him.
I asked her if she knew that hon Ellis was a school principal in his previous life. Clearly impressed, she said: "Cool, he must have been a fun headmaster!" "Really", I exclaimed, "I imagine him giving those kids a really hard time and finding it somehow amusing."
"Mischievous" is a word that comes to mind when I think of hon Ellis. I have, however, used other words at times. One thing about hon Ellis is that he does not discriminate. He dishes it out to any and everyone, sharing the love equally and generously. [Laughter.]
Mike, I found out some time ago, has at least one famous singer-songwriter- guitarist son. My eldest son, who was much younger at the time, had several of his band's CDs, and my youngest two boys who play in gospel rock and heavy metal bands today were also influenced by their music. They wouldn't admit it, of course, because they are way more hardcore.
On parliamentary business at the European Union and in Tanzania, I had the "pleasure" of hon Ellis's wicked - which means "twisted", by the way - sense of humour at closer range. You really don't have to understand someone to enjoy them. Unpredictable conversation and at least one great Italian dinner! I owe you.
The ACDP wishes you success and happiness in this new phase of your life; God bless! [Applause.] Time is short, so I gave you the edited version. I would give the copy that I really wrote, but, being a school teacher, you might correct it. Thanks. [Applause.]