Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

That the general election will be held on 24 May is welcome on all sides of the House. Whether the people choose in their wisdom to vote for change or for the status quo, those of us involved in politics have a responsibility to encourage them to vote and to participate in the campaign, respecting the fact that Irish citizens, both party members and independent candidates, are putting their names before the people. We wish all of them every success and hope that we have a campaign worthy of our democracy. We are the fourth oldest parliamentary democracy in Europe. We are a young country but our democracy has flourished since independence and we are responsible for that legacy so we must ensure the people get the campaign they deserve.

Members on all sides will contest the general election to the Dáil and the election to the Seanad. There was a suggestion that some Members were disappointed on being elected to the Seanad on the last occasion. From my perspective, that was not the case. It is a privilege to serve in this House and to be part of democratic life here. I want to ensure that the campaign and the candidates before the Irish people over the course of the next three and half weeks will be respected by all sides and all shades of opinion. I wish everyone every success.