Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I would like to put forward the name of Deputy Ruairí Quinn for the position of Ceann Comhairle. From memory I do not recall a contest for this position since 1989. I think it is important there be a contest. The position of Ceann Comhairle is a very important role that is recognised in the Constitution. The task of the Ceann Comhairle is not merely to manage the efficient functioning of this House but to apply the rules fairly and impartially. The declaration to be taken by the Ceann Comhairle reads as follows:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann.

The function of the Ceann Comhairle as set out in that declaration is not merely to manage the efficient running of the House but to uphold the rights and privileges of all Members. For many decades it was the practice that the Ceann Comhairle would be drawn from the Opposition. I think that practice had a great deal to recommend it and in circumstances where the same Government has been in office for 20 years, with a minor intervention of two and a half years, it is especially important that the Chair is taken by a member of the Opposition.

My colleague Deputy Ruairí Quinn is immensely respected as a parliamentarian. He has extensive ministerial experience as he held office as Minister for Labour, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Enterprise and Employment and latterly as Minister for Finance. He has been a Member for a very long time and has the respect of his colleagues. He would be ideally suited to the position of Ceann Comhairle. I have no wish to refight the battles of the 29th Dáil or of previous Dáileanna, but many on this side believe the position of Parliament vis-À-vis the Executive has been eroded in recent years. That is not desirable and this House should assert its position as Dáil Éireann. It will be very difficult to do that without reflecting on the candidacy of anyone for this post, if the Taoiseach, having come here in 2002 and nominated the chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to supervise the affairs of this House, now proposes to transfer a Minister from Cabinet who is known for his views. I respect him having partisan views, but he has partisan views.

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