Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I appeal to Members of the House to support the Chair and its Leaders. We have done everything possible to ensure the House functions as efficiently as possible. The Whips will be in touch with Members. We on this side of the House are playing a very responsible role in terms of adhering to the Whips and the Chair. Naturally, there will always be Members who have more on their agenda than one or two issues.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Keaveney, O'Reilly, de Búrca, Callely, Healy-Eames, Corrigan, McFadden and Ó Murchú offered congratulations to the new leader of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Brian Cowen. I want to be associated with these sentiments. There will be another day on which to express our good wishes to the Taoiseach-elect and we all look forward to seeing him exercise his great vision and intellect as the country's leader. It is a proud day for his family and for Clara and Tullamore, County Offaly, the Cathaoirleach, indeed, and the entire midlands. It is a dream come true as those of us who have worked so closely with Deputy Cowen, on a day to day basis in the constituency, know. He has been our life's blood for the past ten years, as regards the economy and making things happen. Munster has its own identity, the east coast is so buoyant it is unreal, but the midlands has experienced a loss of identify and Deputy Brian Cowen is its shining light and bright hope. How proud we are today that this is happening to one of our own.