Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

A Cheann Comhairle, it is a great honour, as the youngest Member of the 31st Dáil, to rise formally today to nominate Deputy Enda Kenny as the next Taoiseach of this country. Deputy Kenny will bring to the office of the Taoiseach integrity, honesty and a work rate which simply cannot be surpassed. He will use his skills as a leader to preside over a Government committed to public service, at a time when such commitment is so urgently required. His ability to recognise the talents and skills of others places him in a very strong position to appoint and preside over a government with the capabilities and the determination to work for this nation and its people.

At a time when my generation is faced with the grim prospect of forced emigration and when unemployment blights our society yet again, we need a Taoiseach determined to restore stability, credibility and hope to this country. The people expect, deserve and require a Government led by a Taoiseach who will put in place plans that will not just restore our economy, but which will ultimately build a fairer society. I am sure that my predecessors who stood here and nominated a person to be Taoiseach have hoped that at the core of a nominee was an honesty and a decency. I find myself in the enviable position today of not just hoping that about Deputy Enda Kenny, but along with colleagues on these benches and on all sides of the House, knowing that the core of Deputy Kenny is an honesty and a decency.

A Cheann Comhairle, today is a moment in this country's history where we set about realising the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our people. Today, the period of mourning is over for Ireland. Today, we hang out our brightest colours and together, under Deputy Kenny's leadership, we move forward yet again as a nation. It is with pride, honour and delight that I propose to Dáil Eireann the election of Deputy Kenny as the next Taoiseach of this country.

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