Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

IIs onóir dom tacaíocht a thabhairt agus a lorg le haghaidh mo chara agus mo chomhghleacaí, an Teachta Pat The Cope Ó Gallachóir. It is a pleasure and an honour to second the nomination of Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. He would bring considerable experience of the Oireachtas, European Parliament and ministerial office to the job. More important, he would bring a passion for democracy and the rights of Members and a work ethic that few could expect to match.

Not many Deputies are known positively by a nickname. "The Cope" is known all over the country and throughout Europe as someone who works hard and fights for various groups, including fishing and regional communities. He would bring this spirit to the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle and fight on behalf of Deputies and the rights of the House. In a Dáil that will be considerably changed from previous Dáileanna, his experience in the European Parliament, as a former chairman of an EU-EEA delegation, and as a former Minister will be essential in negotiating and implementing this change. Deputies of all parties and none need not worry if he becomes Leas-Cheann Comhairle because he will defend Members before parties and fight for their rights and the interests of those they represent.

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