Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

There are more than three people on this side of the House who received more than 100 votes. There we will let the matter lie.

I am a proud Tullamore woman and I can barely keep the smile off my face because it is a great honour for me to stand in the House today and congratulate Senator Moylan on being elected Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. I believe he is the first Offaly man to be elected to the position.

Pat entered public office more than 30 years ago when he was first elected to Offaly County Council to fill the vacancy left by the death of the great K.P. Egan, a former Banagher man like himself. K.P. Egan represented the electoral constituency of Ferbane and was a former Deputy and Senator. Senator Moylan succeeded him in the seat for Ferbane, which included Banagher in those days. Shortly afterwards, however, the latter was included in the Birr electoral area and it was a measure of his popularity that he moved with such ease from Ferbane to Banagher, notwithstanding the great old rivalry between St. Rynagh's and Birr, which those in the Gallery today will understand.

Not only did Senator Moylan move from one constituency to another with great ease but he was elected in every county council election thereafter until he stood down after the abolition of the dual mandate in 2004. Not only was he elected but he was elected on the first count, which is also a testament to where he is today. After his retirement from the county council in 2004 he was replaced by his daughter Sinéad Moylan-Ryan, who was elected in the local elections of 2004.

Senator Moylan has a great reputation in this House. As we have heard today, he is respected by all sides, which was very evident in the last Seanad when he was Government Whip. The new Cathaoirleach has gained a reputation for his constructiveness, thoughtfulness and intelligence in his approach to proceedings, both political and otherwise. We all know the Pat Moylan who achieves great results in a quiet fashion, in a way in which none of the rest of us is capable. We also know the Pat Moylan who respects the other person's point of view, which is what has put him where he is today.

The position of Cathaoirleach was hotly contested in our party and we had four excellent candidates but Senator Moylan came through with flying colours. He takes the great honour of Cathaoirleach of this Seanad because of all those great attributes. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Chair, gained not only in political arenas but also, as the Leader outlined, in the sporting arena. Senator Moylan told me a few days ago he won his first championship with the great club St. Rynagh's in 1960. However, we will leave that subject now to avoid causing him further embarrassment. For those who do not know, Pat hails from and represents the part of Offaly known for its hurling. Not too many years ago we proudly boasted about our hurlers, as well as our footballers, and we look forward to the day we boast about them again.

I will offer a special welcome to the cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Councillor Eamon Dooley, who is joined today by Councillor Tom Feighery.