"Even in the case of the chieftain his rights belonged only to himself, and before his death a re-election took place, when some other of the same blood, not necessarily his eldest son, or even his son at all, but a brother, first cousin, uncle, or whoever stood highest in the estimation of the clan, was nominated as 'Tanist' or successor, and received promises of support from the rest."
- Emily Lawless, The Story of Ireland, 1896