Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Clerk. I wish to thank the people of Wexford who once again have put their trust in me to represent them. It is an honour and a privilege to do so. I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the Regional Group for the confidence they have placed in me, nominating me for the position of Ceann Comhairle. I pay tribute to the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, in particular for the kindness and guidance he has shown to me and many other Members since his election in 2016. Whatever the outcome of this election, I wish my fellow candidates well. Whoever is elected will have a challenging role. I congratulate all of you, the elected Members of the Thirty-fourth Dáil, on your successful election. The multi-seat constituency electoral dynamic tends to incite an unhealthy competition among colleagues within constituencies, leaving most battle-scarred. Former Wexford politician Avril Doyle once described politics as the last blood sport. From speaking to Members in the past week, that would appear to be a very appropriate description. For those of us who were successful and elected, the wounds will heal quickly. For those unsuccessful candidates who put their names forward and did not succeed, the scars may linger. Either way, they are to be commended on allowing their names to go forward.

Chambers such as these are the lifeblood of a functioning democracy. Having succeeded in being elected, we are now the voice of our communities in this forum. We come into the House to make known the fears, concerns and aspirations of our constituents and to legislate accordingly. We communicate on their behalf the policies they want addressed. In putting forward the views of our constituents, we make known the needs of the people to those who govern. In order to ensure that every Member is heard, this House must function smoothly and efficiently. Every Member is equal, irrespective of their political persuasion, political party or grouping. Every Member has a mandate and no one mandate is more important than the other. If elected as Ceann Comhairle, I will uphold these simple principles.

Much debate has been heard regarding the turnout in the recent election. In many constituencies the turnout dropped below 50%. Large numbers of people in the electorate feel alienated from the political process. They feel that politicians are removed from the reality of day-to-day life. They feel that this Chamber is a talking shop that achieves nothing. It is incumbent on all of us to change that perception and to make the House more relevant to those who feel excluded. If elected, I want to engage with all Members to explore the options available to us to reform the way we conduct our business so that ordinary people feel their voices are being heard. The constituents who elected us have a right to see a fair and transparent democracy in action every time they observe our parliamentary debates and legislative work.

In the previous Dáil I served as sub-chair and deputised for the Ceann Comhairle. In that regard, I believe I carried out my duties with respect and impartiality.

11 o’clock

Generally, my time in the Chair passed without incident, with the exception of the day a certain Kerry TD decided to serenade me with a poor rendition of a Cork song — figure that. At least his phone was turned off. I believe this experience has prepared me for the position.

If the House chooses to elect me as the first female Ceann Comhairle in the State, it will signify a diverse, inclusive and forward-looking Thirty-fourth Dáil. If elected, I will execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour.

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