Seanad debates

Friday, 15 December 2006

10:30 am

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)

My colleague, Senator O'Toole, who is not our leader but is primus inter pares asked me to fulfil this function on behalf of the Independent Group as he is detained at a funeral in the west. I am very happy to do so. I am sad to realise that the Cathaoirleach will not be in the Chair again. He has graced it in a very unique fashion. Several days ago I met a former holder of that office, Tras Honan, who was known for her style, upon which she remarked herself sometimes. The Cathaoirleach has his own unique style which every Member accepts.

I pass on the compliments of our group to Deirdre, Jody and the rest of the officials in the Seanad Office. I pass on our compliments to the Leader, who unquestionably has her own unique style. I hope it continues to grace political life for many years to come. I thank Eamonn McCormack. I thank the parliamentary reporters who do an extraordinarily good job. I sometimes read not just "the blacks", as they are termed, but the printed record and they do a very good job in tidying up Members' grammar, including my own, which saves us from some embarrassment.

With the Captain of the Guard and the ushers, we are exceptionally lucky. Every visitor or delegation with which I am involved comments upon their courtesy and graciousness. Over the year, I have had numerous occasions to experience that. I am grateful for it. If I have left anyone out, it is simply down to age and indeterminacy.

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