Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

A Chléirigh, a Thaoisigh agus a Theachtaí Dála, ar an gcéad dul síos, ba chóir dom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil le chuile dhuine atá tar éis a bheith tofa nó aththofa chun na Dála seo. Guím rath Dé ar obair na mBaill agus tá súil agam go mbeidh tréimhse fada agus fiúntach againn anseo. Is cúis bhróid dom é a bheith ainmnithe mar iarrthóir do phost an Chinn Chomhairle agus táim buíoch do mo chomhleacaithe as a gcuid ainmneacha a chur leis an iarratas. Le cúpla lá anuas, táim tar éis a bheith ag stocaireacht agus táim buíoch do chuile dhuine a thug an t-am chun ceist an toghcháin seo a phléigh liom. D’fhoghlaim mé go leor agus bhain mé taitneamh as an dteangmháil.

On this the first sitting day of the 32nd Dáil, we begin our business with a changed approach to the election of Ceann Comhairle. Change is the word that has been most frequently uttered by Members of this House and in the media since the results of the general election became known. While some of us have struggled to interpret the people’s decision of 26 February, one thing is abundantly clear to me: the Irish public requires us to restructure government and to re-order this Dáil in a manner that more accurately reflects the real needs of a modern Ireland. The Ceann Comhairle has an opportunity in this situation. He or she has a responsibility to play a central role in the reform of our governmental, political and parliamentary system. Every one of the 158 Members here has a mandate that is of equal value and, therefore, each of us is entitled to and must receive in this House parity of esteem. Equally so, each of us has an inescapable responsibility to ensure that the parliamentary forum always conducts its business in a manner that is respectful, constructive and in the interests of the Irish people. We need to work to create a Dáil that we have reason to be proud of and one in which our people can readily place their faith.

As Ceann Comhairle, I would see my role as an active promoter of reform, based on consultation. The process of reform must begin immediately and when agreed it must be implemented without fear or favour. At the heart of what we do must be a change in the relationship between the Executive and the Dáil and the creation of a situation in which the Executive is truly accountable to this elected assembly. In pursuing this objective, I see the Ceann Comhairle as a servant of the Members and not a slave to the system. I would be most grateful for the Members' support and commit myself, if elected, to vigorously asserting the rights of the Members and the integrity of the House.

It would be remiss of me to conclude without wishing well the four other contenders, Deputies Maureen O’Sullivan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Andrew Doyle and my friend of long standing, Deputy Bernard Durkan. Each would, if elected, give distinguished service. It would be remiss of us all not to acknowledge that the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, with whom many of us might have disagreed on several occasions, devoted himself tirelessly to the service of this Chamber and to the service of the people of Ireland. He deserves recognition of that in this House today.

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