Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle, is onóir mhór a bheith tosaithe agus ainmnithe ag Dáil Éireann chun freastal mar Thaoiseach ar an saorphoblacht seo. Is pribhléid den scoth í seo agus geallaim nach ndéanfaidh mé talamh slán de go deo. Is maith is eol dom agus cuimhneoidh mé i gcónaí go bhfuil Oifig an Taoiseach ina seasamh mar chuid de chóras daonlathach níos leithne. Córas daonlathach ina bhfuil údarás agus mandáide an phobail ag gach duine againn agus dualgas orainn go léir freastal ar ár náisiún ina n-iomláine.

I would like to thank my proposer, Deputy Albert Dolan, seconder, Deputy Catherine Ardagh, and all the Deputies who supported me, and those from from my own party Fianna Fáil, the Fine Gael Party and the Regional Independent Group, all of whom negotiated a programme for Government in an upfront and honest manner.

It is a sad development in many parliaments in the world that they have become more angry and divisive. They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree. On the day when we carry out our most important constitutional duty as representatives of the people, we should take a moment to remember and respect those things we share. It is a profound honour to be nominated to serve as Head of Government in a free, democratic and diverse republic.

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