Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On my own behalf and on behalf of the Labour Party I most sincerely welcome the four newly elected, newly minted Deputies to the elected assembly of the people of Ireland. It is an extraordinary privilege. I remember a few years ago walking onto the plinth for the first time on the way in here. I remember also going into the Dáil bar for the first time and being told it was only for Members. It is an extraordinary privilege to be in this place, to be chosen by the people of their constituencies to be the successors of decent people who founded this State. We celebrate the centenary of these Houses this year.

I know Malcolm Byrne very well. I hope I will get to know Joe O'Brien, Mark Ward and Pádraig O'Sullivan, if time allows. I am not sure how long we have to make those acquaintances. I thank everybody who participated in the by-elections. It is challenging now in the new world of social media for people to put themselves forward for election. There are many critics out there. It takes some degree of courage to put one's name on a ballot paper.

I always remember the phrase of Uachtarán na hÉireann that testing the love of the people can be a daunting prospect. For our democracy to thrive we need people to put themselves forward. I thank candidates of all opinions and hues who offered a choice in each of the four constituencies. No doubt wider choices on the direction of our country will be offered in coming months. However, I will leave that discussion for another day. Today is a joyous occasion for four people who have achieved an extraordinary ambition for themselves and their families. I congratulate them and wish them well in their careers in this House.

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