Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Today is a historic day on which we bid farewell to one era and usher in a new one. I join my colleagues in thanking the outgoing Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, for all he has done. His greatest legacy will be to have brought peace to the island of Ireland. I also welcome the new Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, who, like the Cathaoirleach, is an Offaly man. Many people from the county are in and around the grounds of Leinster House today.

A number of terms capture the character of the new Taoiseach. He is an inspirational figure, an extremely energetic motivator and a man of exceptional organisational skills. I wish him well in the office of Taoiseach.

The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Dick Roche, who was before the House last week, is also an energetic man and an enthusiastic proponent of the Lisbon treaty. He has explained the text to members of the public and politicians and we should stand behind him. He is doing an excellent job and deserves our full support.

Yesterday, 250 Irish businesses, members of the Business Alliance for Europe, publicly endorsed the Lisbon treaty. These companies represent 2.1 million Irish employees. Senators should consider how the House can be used to better promote the referendum due in four weeks.