Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On my own behalf and on that of the Labour Party, I wish the Taoiseach well and every success in his retirement. I have no doubt that others will use the opportunity provided by this short debate to attack him and his legacy. I will not do that, but neither will I embarrass either of us by presenting a hagiography of him.

We served together in two Governments. In the 1990s, during the very successful rainbow coalition, the Taoiseach served as the Minister for Tourism and Trade. In fact, he sat beside me. From Cabinet meetings back then, I still recall a strength that in many ways has later come to define Deputy Enda Kenny in his role as Taoiseach. That, quite simply, is his boundless enthusiasm. He is, of course, a politician of great skill and determination, but I think it is the hopeful, happy Enda Kenny that the Irish people have, and will continue to, identify with most. In 2011, that attitude was exactly what our country needed. Every day back then seemed to begin with a depressing litany of economic statistics and harrowing stories of their impact and the impact of the unfolding crisis on people and families the length and breadth of our country. Some could not quite understand the Taoiseach's high-fives with schoolchildren back then, but he saw two things quite clearly: first, he recognised that after the dark would come the dawn; and, second, he recognised that, in the meantime, we needed some superficial light just to keep going.

Some have chosen to caricature Deputy Enda Kenny's time as Taoiseach as encompassing the entire crisis. That is nothing short of revisionism. It suits some of those who made no contribution to the recovery to suggest that he was in charge of the downfall as well. Of course, Fianna Fáil now likes to imagine that time began in 2011, but it did not. That party's crashing of the economy and its infliction of the most vicious elements of the crisis period will be addressed at another time.

We did not get everything right in our time together in the previous Government. We certainly did not agree on every issue and had very trenchant challenges of opinion on more than one occasion. However, our central role was to fix the mess that had been created by others. As you step down today, Taoiseach, that remains, in my view, your greatest achievement and your greatest legacy, and I believe in time it will be recognised as such.

While the economy dominated much time following the 2011 election, that was not the only area on which you left a lasting impact. In July 2011, you addressed this House on the Cloyne report in stark terms. You stated back then:

[T]he Vatican’s reaction was to parse and analyse it with the gimlet eye of a Canon lawyer. This calculated, withering position is the polar opposite of the radicalism, humility and compassion on which the Roman Church was founded.

That speech made its way around the world in no time at all, and rightly so. When you spoke, you spoke not only on behalf of the Government, but on behalf of the whole people. It was not the last time that the words you used were expressed on behalf of all our people.

For a man who is sometimes derided for your folksy charms, you certainly know when to speak with impact when you choose to do so. Abortion and marriage equality were difficult issues for you. My party had a strong position on legislating for the X case and on holding a referendum on marriage equality. You did not agree to either in the beginning, but to your credit, once you changed your view, you stuck to it regardless of the political cost.

Of course, you step down today untainted by corruption. In many countries that might not merit a mention, but in this one it does. That you did not see power as an opportunity for personal enrichment is worthy of mention and in sharp contrast to some of your predecessors.

On a personal level, I wish you well. You have done the State and the people of Mayo great service over many years. I have no doubt Fionnuala is looking forward to having you home a little more often and that Aoibhinn, Ferdia and Naoise will enjoy a little more time with their dad from now on.

Taoiseach, is leor ó mhór a dícheall agus tá do dhícheall déanta agat. I thank you for your service and wish good health to you and yours in the years to come.

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