Liam Fitzgerald (Independent)

When I offered to speak, I thought this was the last day on which the Seanad would meet. As somebody in transition, it is appropriate that I inform the House I will not be seeking re-election to the Seanad. I thank the Leader, Acting Leader, Chief Whip and Assistant Whip, the Leader of the Opposition and leaders of the other parties for a most interesting, stimulating and effective exchange of views during the past ten years. I also thank the Clerk to the Seanad and her staff for the courtesy afforded to me and my colleagues at all times.

I have found the past ten years a most enjoyable and, on occasion, challenging experience. I served as spokesperson to the current Leader of the House when she was Minister for Public Enterprise and other portfolios, and I served under successive Ministers with responsibility for education. Prior to my election to the Dáil in 1981, I was a teacher. I believe current debates on education are equally as challenging as when I served as deputy spokesperson on education during the 1980s. Time evolves, complexities emerge and nothing is ever simple.

My journey is an unknown one; it is transitionary. I wish those Senators not seeking re-election to the Seanad every success in the challenges they have set forth for themselves. I wish those who, like me, do not know where they are going, every success. I wish all Members seeking re-election a safe journey. That is most important. I also wish them every success and look forward to having an opportunity to vote for them in the forthcoming Seanad election.

I do not know whether I am on the right or wrong side of the House. When a person is in transition, an odd mistake is usually overlooked.