Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

It is with great pride that I second the nomination of Deputy Enda Kenny for the position of Taoiseach. He has achieved what was deemed to be impossible five or six years ago. He has reinstated Fine Gael as the dominant leading Opposition party in this House. He presided over the party's fortunes at last year's election, in which we gained 20 seats in this Chamber. Deputy Kenny's calm and decisive leadership is a quality that the next Taoiseach will badly need. His strength of character and courage of conviction make him the ideal choice to lead the country as we face difficult economic times. The challenges that lie ahead require the calm and considered leadership of a man who is not afraid to make tough decisions. We need to stem the tide of rising unemployment, reduce the rate of inflation, improve the competitiveness of our economy and reform our public services. I commend the nomination of Deputy Kenny to the House.

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