Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Ar dtús báire, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach éinne as ucht an tacaíochta a thug siad dom go pearsanta. Is mór an phribhléid agus onóir dom é gur mise an chéad Tánaiste as Dún na nGall, an chontae ina bhfuil mé i mo chónaí. Go mórmhór, ba mhaith liom ómós a thabhairt don Taoiseach as ucht an Rialtais atá roghnaithe aige anocht agus a bheidh tofa i gceann cúpla nóiméad, i mo thuairim. It is with great pride and pleasure that I stand here this evening. I have been honoured by the Taoiseach, who has nominated me for appointment as Tánaiste. I support him as Taoiseach and wish him every success.

I have listened to the views of other Members. Their vision is not our vision. Our vision is one of compassion, social justice, economic opportunity and civic participation by all citizens, all of the time. That vision is a reflection of the man who is our political leader. The Taoiseach is a man of compassion. He believes in the real republican ideal. His intellect allows him to understand what real social justice is all about. As a Deputy for Donegal South-West, I am aware of the vision, compassion and listening skills the Taoiseach showed as Minister for Health when dealing with the unfortunate hepatitis C debacle. He listened to the people and addressed their concerns. I am familiar with the Taoiseach's vision for people with special needs, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. As Minister for Finance, he continued the work he had done as Minister for Health in supporting those who are less fortunate in our society.

The Taoiseach is not a man of personal ambition, but of ambition for this country. He wants to allow all our citizens to participate in society. He understands the challenges faced by young people, in particular. He will give all young people an opportunity to participate in the social aspects of the economy. We will foster the ability of such people to achieve what they can. The members of the Government, representing the Progressive Democrats, the Green Party and Fianna Fáil, will ensure that the Taoiseach's vision is realised. In steering this country, we will bear in mind the needs of the community, particularly those who are less well-off. We will ensure that economic success and prosperity are afforded to all. That will not be done in a singular way. We will work together to tackle various challenges, particularly in the economy. The prudent work of the outgoing Minister for Finance will be continued under the stewardship of the incoming Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

While we are open to constructive criticism from the Opposition parties, we will not necessarily listen to it all. We have a vision for what we want this country to achieve. As members of the Cabinet, we will work together to that end. This country's resources will be used for the betterment of all the people, who have joint ownership of those resources. Therefore, it is with great pride that I add to the voices of many of my colleagues on this side of the House who have spoken about the recommended composition of the new Cabinet. In particular, I commend to the House the leadership of the new Taoiseach, who is a man of great honour. He has rural and urban Ireland in his heart. He is a man of compassion. He has huge ambition for this nation. In supporting him, I am mindful of the personal and political respect that has been shown to him in this House. He holds those who are elected to this House in the highest regard, regardless of their political hue. The Taoiseach's respect for this Chamber is emphasised by the honourable manner in which he has represented the constituency of Laois-Offaly over many years. Arís, a Cheann Comhairle, molaim an Rialtais agus, go mórmhór, an Taoiseach é fhéin.

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