Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I too would like to congratulate Deputy Brian Cowen on his election as Taoiseach in this House. Shortly, he will begin the journey to Áras an Úachtaráin to receive his seal of office. It will be a very proud journey for him and his family. It is great that he is joined here today by his mother, his wife, Mary, their two daughters and his family. They are perhaps feeling prouder than he is because I know he is beginning to take on board the enormity of the honour that has been bestowed on him.

I join Deputy Gormley in wishing our colleague, Deputy Seamus Brennan, a speedy recovery. I was nominated to the Seanad with Seamus Brennan in 1977. I believe I will be joined by everybody in the House in hoping that his current health problems will be a thing of the past very soon, which would be the wish of us all.

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