Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

In a few minutes' time the question will be put as to whether the House accepts, both for or against, the nomination of Deputy Kirk as Ceann Comhairle. The Labour Party is not making any alternative proposal to the nomination of Deputy Kirk. One of my colleagues, Deputy Howlin, holds the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. It would be entirely inappropriate for a party which holds one of these offices to nominate one of its members for the other.

The Labour Party will accept the nomination of Deputy Kirk to be Ceann Comhairle.

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