Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

By our abstention on this vote and the vote on the nomination of Ministers, a Government will be able to be formed. Commitments have been given to the effect that the worst elements of the last Government's policies and approaches will be ended and important progress will be seen in some areas. Most of all, the formation of a minority Government means that we will have an opportunity to continue to seek to implement the policies upon which we were elected by working to build a majority of support for them from opposition.

This new departure for Irish politics is a major challenge. It requires putting aside old assumptions and lazy conventions. It gives everyone a role to play and a duty to be active and constructive. We accept this and we look forward to getting on with the business of this Dáil. Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for your indulgence.

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