Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I move: "That Deputy Brendan Howlin be elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle."

I propose Deputy Howlin, who has been a Member of this House for 20 years. He has been a distinguished Member in many respects and has held ministerial office both as Minister for Health and Children and Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and has been engaged in most positions in the House and in most committees. I have no doubt he would prove to be a very distinguished Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

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