Dáil debates
Thursday, 23 January 2025
Taoiseach a Ainmniú (Atógáil) - Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed)
2:35 am
Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source
-----it is an honour to finally propose to the Dáil that we nominate Deputy Micheál Martin for appointment as Taoiseach by Uachtarán na hÉireann.
By every reasonable measure, Deputy Martin has shown that he is qualified to lead our Government with distinction, that he will be a Taoiseach of substance focused every day on the hard work of serving the Irish people and that no matter how tough challenges are in the coming years, he will meet and overcome those challenges.
These are often cynical times. Many will relentlessly portray politics and political leaders as self-interested or incapable. There is rarely any space available on our public airways or elsewhere to acknowledge progress achieved by our political leaders. A premium is placed on being angry and eloquent in our debates.
When we look at the record Deputy Micheál Martin has amassed over the years we see a lasting and positive impact. We see policies that have helped people in all communities. We see the substance of a leader who has made a real difference. He was a reforming and dynamic Minister for education who put in place policies which have reduced early school leaving, increased literacy and dramatically expanded access to further and higher education. As Minister for health, he pushed forward new national strategies which transformed treatment in critical areas and he implemented a public health revolution which has saved tens of thousands of lives and inspired 74 other countries to follow Ireland's lead. As Minister for enterprise, he created new areas of activity which made Ireland an international leader in key areas and underpinned hundreds of thousands of jobs. As Minister for Foreign Affairs on two occasions, he represented Ireland with distinction, promoting the core values of peace, co-operation and humanitarian aid.
Of course, as Taoiseach, we saw his great strength as he led us through a terrible pandemic and recession which threatened many lives and livelihoods. In those dark days filled with great uncertainty and fear he never faltered. He spent countless hours working to find ways of helping people and responding to once-in-a-century problems. He spoke clearly and directly with the Irish people at all times, sharing with them the information available to him and offering hope that we would come through to better days.
During the recent election, people of all political allegiances and none came up to him as he canvassed to shake his hand and say that, however they intended to vote during that great time of turbulence, they appreciated he was Taoiseach. During that election, Deputy Micheál Martin and Fianna Fáil campaigned on the basis of a positive campaign and a positive message of leading our country forward, and the Irish people responded. They gave him the largest and clearest mandate of any party or leader.
Since then, he has worked to build a coalition government based on respect and a detailed programme. It brings together different priorities of a shared commitment to action over the next five years. Each of us who had the privilege of canvassing with Deputy Martin during the election saw at first hand the direct connection he had with the people - his ability to find ways of addressing their concerns and his sincere determination that we both celebrate success and never lose focus on the urgent challenges of today.
Is mór an onóir dom seasamh anseo inniu mar ionadaí do mhuintir na Gaillimhe. Tá mé fíorbhuíoch dóibh as an muinín atá curtha ionam agus as an deis a bheith ag obair ar a son anseo i nDáil Éireann. Tuigim an fhreagracht mhór atá orm agus tá mé réidh le tabhairt fúithi le díograis agus le dúthracht. Ag an am céanna, tá mé muiníneach go bhfuil ceannaire den scoth againn i dTeachta Micheál Martin. Tá a chumas, taithí agus tiomantas do mhuintir na hÉireann léirithe go soiléir aige thar na blianta. Tá se cróga, ciallmhar agus dírithe ar na réitigh atá de dhíth orainn mar náisiún. Tá fís láidir aige don tír seo agus níl aon dabht orm ach go mbeidh sé ina Thaoiseach a dhéanfaidh an-difríocht, a chuirfidh ár leas chun cinn agus a sheasfaidh le dúthracht do gach saoránach.
We never know what challenges will arise but what I do know is that with Micheál Martin as Taoiseach, we will have a leader who is ready to face them head on. His dedication, experience and unwavering commitment to progress will be invaluable as we navigate the road ahead. I am excited and optimistic for the future under his leadership. I believe we will continue to work tirelessly to create a better Ireland for all.
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