Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to congratulate my fellow Offaly person on his election to the highest political office as Taoiseach. In warmly congratulating the Taoiseach elect, I want to also congratulate his wife Mary, his daughters Sinead and Maedhbh, his mother, Mrs. Cowen, the Cowen and the Molloy families and the friends and supporters of Brian who are here today.

It is an extremely proud day for everyone in the county of Offaly and the constituency of Laois-Offaly. Brian has served the constituency since 1984 and worked with my father in the past, as my father worked with his father at times. While we are obviously both of different political persuasions and both passionately believe in our respective parties, the one common aim we have is to address the needs and concerns of the people of Laois and Offaly.

I cannot promise I will go down the route of consensus taken by the Minister, Deputy Gormley. However, I look forward to having a constructive relationship with the new Taoiseach and I look forward to working with him in the coming years. He has a unique opportunity to deliver. My task is to provide constructive opposition and we in the Fine Gael Party under Deputy Enda Kenny will certainly do that. I again congratulate the Taoiseach elect, Deputy Cowen, and look forward to working with him in the years ahead.

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