Dáil debates

Thursday, 14 April 2016

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed)

 

2:55 pm

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we all know, the Thirty-second Dáil is more diverse than any since the foundation of the State.

The traditional rules of Government formation no longer apply and we must embrace a new way of working together if we are to achieve the society we all want. Fine Gael wants a strong economy and a fair society. We want thriving communities in urban and rural Ireland. We want a country that looks after its people from the cradle through to their senior years. We want a country where nobody is left behind and where everybody is given the opportunity to succeed.

Since the general election, Deputy Enda Kenny has worked tirelessly to ensure the country has a stable and lasting Government. He has had very positive engagement with Independents and, together, they have approached discussions on the formation of a Government in a sincere and constructive way. The meetings have lasted for more than 50 hours, with wide-ranging policy debates on delivery for the people of Ireland.

Since I last took to my feet to nominate Deputy Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, a number of events have taken place. In the national interest he has proposed a full partnership Government, including Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independents as he believes this is the best option for the country. A full partnership would be lasting and stable. It would be a Government based on parity of esteem, consensus building, mutual respect and collective decision-making. Deputy Enda Kenny has made every effort and shown his commitment since the general election to form a stable Government. The offer would have brought together the two largest parties in the State in an historic partnership and was, I believe, a bold offer and one worth making. I regret it has not been accepted to date, but Deputy Enda Kenny remains determined to ensure Ireland will have a stable Government to address the many challenges facing the country and work to improve the lives of the people.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." We have taken on the responsibility of doing something. Deputy Enda Kenny has taken on the responsibility of forming a new Government in a reasonable and responsible reform-minded way. We are doing something and it is our intention to form a Government that will work for the people and one that will last. Meanwhile, some are playing a game of party first, pass-the-parcel politics, on which they should be challenged. These parties cannot even enter a room to have exploratory discussions with others. The people have found that their votes have simply been wasted on certain parties which are more interested in being commentators than decision-makers.

Where we are today is not without precedent. In 1989 there were three attempts at nominating a Taoiseach, yet progress is clearly being made. Members of all parties and none are willing to talk, compromise, come to the table and take on the difficult job of creating a Government in this fractious Thirty-second Dáil. Their efforts and commitment should be commended. It is far easier to play the role of observer than it is to play the role of participant. I know that the people I represent in Dublin North-West appreciate the efforts of all those Independents who have worked in an honest fashion to try to put together a new Government. While 14 of them have announced an abstention today, I am hopeful they will continue to engage in the work of creating a Government. It is in the spirit of working in an honest fashion to try to put together a new Government that I am proud to once again nominate Deputy Enda Kenny as Taoiseach.

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