Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I add my voice to the remarks of Senators Brian Hayes and O'Toole. It is very important that people go out to vote. Too many people died to get us the vote for it to be cast aside lightly. I hope we can approach something like the 80% turnout in France. I spent most of my working life as a civil servant and over that time I have had great regard for politicians from all parties with whom I worked and all those who follow the honourable avocation of politics. It is too easy to be cynical, as so many people are, about what they do but I have the utmost respect and regard for those who offer themselves to the public for election or non-election as the case may be.

In my case I have had the great honour and privilege of serving in this House at the invitation and nomination of the Taoiseach. I regard it as a great privilege to be allowed to serve in this way. The Taoiseach actually went further in that he allowed me to be independent. When he invited me to accept the nomination a second time I pointed out that I wanted to be independent and he said that he wanted an independent voice. In a sense, that is the measure of the man and I wish to put on record my deep appreciation of that.

I, too, wish my colleagues well. I have enjoyed the collegiality and friendship of the Seanad. Everybody has been very kind to me. I thank the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the staff of the Seanad and of Leinster House. I wish all those going forward for election well.