Deputies:

I thank Members for their generous welcome. I extend thanks and a welcome to those who accompanied me to the Dáil today — my family, friends and, most particularly, my campaign group, who provided an involuntary fitness programme for the past month or so. They have not just supported me in the past weeks but over a number of years and I pay tribute to them. I also thank those who voted for me. In a democracy, one's vote is one's most important possession. We need to consider the turnouts to understand why they were so low in both constituencies.

Deputies:

I have always had an interest in history and it has not escaped my notice that I am making history today in that neither a woman nor an Independent has been elected from Kildare to the Dáil before. These are two important historical notes.

Deputies:

I am filling the vacancy left by Charlie McCreevy. While I differ from Mr. McCreevy in many respects, we have one thing in common, namely, we have always had an independent streak. One could not say anything other of Mr. McCreevy. The independent streak is, of course, on the other side of the House on this occasion.

Deputies:

I am told that the literal meaning of the phrase Teachta Dála is "messenger to the Dáil". I told the people I canvassed in the past month that there would be no confusion about their message if they sent an Independent Deputy to the Dáil and that what would come centre-stage would be the issues of concern to the people of Kildare North. Today, I want to commence my delivery of that message.

Deputies:

In a nutshell, we cannot just keep building houses without providing facilities and services, which is a message Members have been made aware of in the past month or so. My message is about planning the delivery of facilities and services that allow strong healthy communities to emerge, adequate school places with reasonable pupil-teacher ratios, a comprehensive public transport choice, facilities such as parks, playgrounds and community centres and affordable child care — there are many issues. I am not just handing out a shopping list but focusing on the tools required to build a society. My message is not negative but very positive; it is what I am for, not what I am against.

Deputies:

I have a great advantage in coming to the House in that most Deputies and Senators, including Ministers and even the Tánaiste and Taoiseach, visited north Kildare in the past month and heard many of the issues firsthand. I met many Members in housing estates, at church gates and at supermarket doors. Those I canvassed for votes were not shy in telling me what they believed the issues were. It would be helpful if there was an open door to push — I hope this will be the case — in trying to resolve many issues because Members are fully briefed on the issues about which people expressed concern. My 17 years as a public representative at local level taught me to interpret legislation from the delivery end. That experience will help me to more fully contribute to the shaping of legislation.

Deputies:

I thank the Independent Members who formally backed my campaign and were enormously helpful to me during that campaign and since I was elected. I look forward to working with them and others in the Technical Group in the coming years. I am delighted to have been returned to the Dáil to serve the people of Kildare North. I hope it will be the beginning of many years of such service.

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