Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I have known Senator Moylan for more than ten years. I have known him to be a man of great integrity, a team player and fair in his role as Chief Whip and in handling his social life with all of us during the last Seanad.

While I put my hat into the ring, when I discovered that Senator Pat Moylan would be contesting it, I knew I could not match his attributes. Pat and his wife, Mary, are very good friends of mine. They are lovely people and Members have made the right choice today. I assure the Cathaoirleach that I will give him every support and will help in all ways possible to improve and promote the work of Seanad Éireann and consider how best we can reflect on its future. There is much work to be done in terms of reform, initiating legislation, the referendum that is about to take place and, as Senator Cassidy noted, on how Members can best tackle the media to show how we work in this Chamber. While many major contributions were made during the last Seanad, one would seldom see any of them highlighted in any aspect of the media. I wish the Cathaoirleach the best of luck. He has my full support and best wishes and I will do anything I can to help him in his role over the next five years.