Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

When I had second thoughts the last time, I got the bonus of a further three and a half years in the Dáil. I enjoyed that time, just as I enjoyed all 22 years I spent in the Dáil and the two and a half years I spent in the Seanad before that. I have made great friends here. I thank the Ceann Comhairle and his predecessors for the courtesy they have extended to me. Most of my colleagues who are retiring have told me they felt a great sense of relief after they made that decision. My circumstances are slightly different because I am not a voluntary retiree. I have not experienced that sense of relief. I have a sense of sadness as I leave the Dáil. That is the way politics is.

I have tried to make a contribution over the years I have spent in this House. I hope I did not insult too many people. The current Taoiseach and perhaps some of his predecessors often had to answer me back in the Dáil. If I said anything to upset them, I apologise for that. That was my style. People cannot change their style. I was true to what I felt as a representative. I hope I have been of some use to the people of Galway West. My constituents stood by me by returning me at the last five general elections. I was first elected in 1989. I leave this House with the privilege of never having failed to be elected to any body to which I stood for election. I am proud of my political contribution to this Dáil and the people of Galway West. I thank my constituents for giving me the great privilege of representing them in the Dáil over the past 22 years. The team we have selected in Galway West will certainly bring back two seats and has a great chance of three seats. It will take three people to replace me anyway.

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