Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Members I congratulate Deputy Connolly on her historic election. She is the first woman to hold office as Ceann Comhairle or Leas-Cheann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann. It is a great occasion for her, her family and supporters and for all of us here in Dáil Éireann. I acknowledge also the distinguished and honourable campaign run by Deputy Fergus O'Dowd over recent days. Deputy Connolly will serve with distinction, and we have to acknowledge that so, too, would Deputy O'Dowd had he had the fortune of being elected.

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