Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

May I take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support today in the election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle? I look forward to doing my job, as Leas-Cheann Comhairle, with plenty of support from the Ceann Comhairle, and with Members’ support, I will be able to fulfil this part of the declaration – maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members.

As I did this morning, I would appeal to you all for respect for each other in this House, respect for the Ceann Comhairle and for me, who, after all, are just doing what we are elected to do, which is to keep order. I think that we would make a far better contribution and give more time to Members if we were to use that time wisely without rancour or argument.

I will finish by saying I am not an overnight success. I was elected to Kilkenny Corporation in 1979 and it took me 15 years to convince them to elect me as Mayor of Kilkenny City. I was elected here in 1997 and it has taken me this length of time to convince you to elect me as Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I am really proud of the fact that I have been elected by the Members. It is a great privilege and an honour. It is a job that I will do to the very best, as I said, of my ability and in a very impartial way.

I want to conclude by thanking my family who are in the Gallery because without them, you do not succeed. They have been with me since my first election in 1979. In fact, I got elected in 1979 and then immediately got married afterwards, and both have endured. I do not know how Margaret has endured, but anyway.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh and I had a great chat downstairs at the count, a very friendly conversation. I understand full well what he means about the Irish language. It is great to have that sort of comraderie here that, even after a vote like this, we can all get together and do the business of the House.

I should thank the Opposition, particularly all the Sinn Féin guys who came to me and said, “Don’t worry, John. We gave you number two.” We are all familiar with the story at the doorsteps where we are told, “I gave you a stroke.”

Thank you all very much. Thank you, Ceann Comhairle.

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