Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is mór an onóir í dom bheith anseo inniu mar Theachta Dála nua Fhianna Fáil do Chorcaigh Thiar Theas. I am honoured and humbled to be making my maiden speech as a newly elected Fianna Fáil Deputy for the wonderful and beautiful constituency of Cork South-West. May I start by supporting the nomination of my party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, for Taoiseach? Deputy Martin, who has a proven track record and immense experience, is a man of the utmost integrity, capability, intellect and honesty. He will go down in history for introducing the smoking ban, which was the single most important public health measure of recent times. He is also lauded and respected for his work in the area of special needs while Minister for Education and Science. His legacy in these areas, among others, lives on for the benefit of our nation.

I suggest the incoming Government will have to satisfactorily address and resolve the issues that are pressing upon the already hard-pressed people of Cork South-West. I believe west Cork is the most beautiful place on earth. Its proud and vibrant people have been struggling valiantly under the outgoing Government. The issues in Cork South-West that need to be addressed by the incoming Government include the completion of flood relief and drainage works and the improvement of broadband and mobile telephone coverage to attract small and medium-sized enterprises and thereby create local jobs. The condition of the roads in west Cork has reached a crisis point in some places. All the while, a percentage of our road tax in Cork is going to Irish Water. More social housing needs to be provided. Leader funding needs to be restored. The difficulties facing farmers and fishermen need to be addressed. A core principle for me is the need to safeguard the viability of rural communities by ensuring they are not left behind in a two-tier recovery. I am committed to supporting and advocating for the development of rural parish communities and balanced regional development to ensure adequate service provision in all communities. I appreciate the honour and privilege bestowed on me by the fine people of Cork South-West. I will ensure that as we go forward, any financial recovery will be felt by every man, woman and child in west Cork.

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