Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

On behalf of the leader of the Labour Party, I also want to convey our best wishes to you, a Cheann Comhairle, for a good break. It is a pity we are taking such extended leave but that is nothing to do with you, Sir. Your staff have been working very hard, particularly in recent days with the late sittings. I thank the staff of the House for their endeavours. I also wish to congratulate Seán Sheils and wish him all the very best. I think it is a pity he is not going to write the book. Not enough is written about political life in Ireland. When one looks at our history, and particularly as this year marks the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, the literary works of many great leaders — those involved in 1916 and before — are quite remarkable. That literary tradition should be encouraged. If the barman wants to write the story he will find an audience and I wish him well if he intends to do so.

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