Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I take this opportunity to congratulate the winners of the by-elections and welcome them to the House. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan would have been a formidable candidate at any time, but the widespread sentiment and respect for Tony Gregory and her part on his team showed itself in what was an exceptional result. Deputy George Lee is our best known new Deputy in many years. Nobody could doubt his skills as a communicator and inquisitor. I wish him well in mastering the august, calm constituency politics of Dublin South Fine Gael. I look forward to working with both Deputies during the remaining years of this Dáil.

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