Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Tosóidh mé le cúpla focal pearsanta. Tá mé an-bhródúil a bheith anseo mar Theacht Dála don Lú agus mar cheannaire ar Shinn Féin. Nuair a bhí mé mar ionadaí ar Iarthar Béal Feirste, ní raibh seans againn agus níl fós, a bheith tofa chuig Dáil Éireann. Mar sin, tá mé an sásta a bheith anseo le foireann mhór láidir Shinn Féin.

I wish the incoming Ceann Comhairle well. Fine Gael stated that the Ceann Comhairle would be elected by secret ballot, a proposition which Sinn Féin supports but which appears to have disappeared. The incoming Government has a huge majority but it is proposing one from among its own number for the post of Ceann Comhairle. I am sure Deputy Seán Barrett will do a good job. However, it would be fair and appropriate if the Ceann Comhairle came from among the ranks of the Opposition. It is hoped this will be rolled out in the time ahead. Tá mé an-sásta agus tá fhios agam go bhfuil onóir mór ar Seán Barrett agus a chlann. Tá mé sasta le sin agus comhghairdeas dó. Go raibh maith agat.

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