Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to share time with Deputy Sargent. I thank the people of Meath, who re-elected me as their representative for a sixth term. I thank the Taoiseach for the honour he bestowed on me by nominating me to Cabinet, giving me the opportunity to serve in a Government led by him. It is the 20th anniversary of my first election to the Dáil. I stand proudly to serve my constituents and the people of Ireland for another term.

All of us who start out in politics have one ambition, to make a difference. Those of us in Cabinet have a greater opportunity than others. It is our privilege to make this country as good as it can be. The first time I was elected, in 1987, the country was very different from what it is now. When I was nominated to Cabinet in 1997, the country had changed but had a long way to go. In the past ten years remarkable improvement and change have been made. This is due to the Governments, the Taoiseach who led them and all who participated in them. All sides of the House have worked to build economic success and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

My colleagues in this Chamber across the political divide have worked hard to be here. We have dreams and ambitions for the future. To all the new Deputies making their first visit to the Chamber with their families, congratulations and well done. They are the lucky ones because it is a great privilege to be a public representative in this Chamber. With it comes great responsibility and being nominated to Government increases the responsibility. The mandate of a sovereign people is a great honour and opportunity, bringing great responsibility for public service.

In the general election for the 30th Dáil the people renewed and strengthened the mandate of this Government. Our policies were endorsed as a blueprint for our future. I was one of the negotiating team tasked with agreeing a new programme for Government with our new coalition partners. I pay tribute to my Fianna Fáil colleagues Deputies Cowen and Brennan, who worked with me to secure an ambitious programme for Government with our new partners. Those of us involved in Government pledge to keep the faith with the people and honour the mandate given to us by this House. An unprecedented opportunity has been given to us to continue to build a fair society of equal opportunity and sustained prosperity for an island at peace with itself. That is our ambition for the country, our mandate from the people and our pledge to the people.

It seems Deputies Rabbitte and Kenny are unable to accept the election is over and the electorate has spoken. Deputy Kenny offered the people his contract and the people rejected it.

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