Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I join the Tánaiste and the deputy leader of Fine Gael in wishing you, a Cheann Comhairle, and all the Members of the Houses a happy Christmas and new year. I include in that wish the staff of the Houses at every level who work so diligently and helpfully with the Members, the political staff of all the political parties and of the Members who work with us, the media who cover the proceedings of the House and everybody who frequents the Houses. I agree with Deputy Reilly that at this time of the year our public services are repeatedly called upon. Consider the people who are out in the middle of the night gritting the roads, people repairing power lines and the people who keep this country going. Many of them will be working in the public services throughout the Christmas period to ensure everybody can enjoy it. It is appropriate that we remember the work they are doing.

I wish the country a fresh start in the new year and I hope the Government will accommodate that by facilitating an election as early as possible. In saying it will have an election in the new year I hope the Government means the new year according to our calendar and that it will not revert to the Chinese calendar-----

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