Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

A Cheann Comhairle, is mian liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil leat agus le do chlann, go háirithe do bhean cheile, as ucht an oifig seo a bhaint amach. Geallaim leat go ndéanfaidh mé mo dhícheall do vótaí a roinnt go cothrom eadrainn nuair a thiocfaidh an chéad toghchán eile.

I wish you and your wife and family every success. I have known you for many years, longer than either of us would care to recall. Our battles were never personal and, as you know, we will be very good friends indeed from now on. To prove your fairness when it comes to the votes that would have been cast in your favour at the next general election, you will make sure to divide them evenly among all parties in the House.

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