Alex White (Labour)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for clarifying the position of former Senator Alan Kelly in regard to his election to the European Parliament last night. I spoke to him on the telephone ten minutes before I came into the Chamber and had the opportunity to congratulate him. We were speculating about the precise legal position but the Cathaoirleach clarified it very helpfully. Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for the European Parliament, Alan Kelly ceased to be a Member of this House on his election to the European Parliament. I extend warmest congratulations on behalf of my colleagues on the Labour Party benches and I acknowledge the congratulations of others to Alan Kelly, a young member of the European Parliament, a terrific politician and a fantastic standard-bearer for our party. I wish him every success in the European Parliament. I am sure he will be a great success there.

I thank colleagues for their commiserations and congratulations. I will take both in equal measure because I am sure the intention is the same irrespective of whether they were expressions of commiseration or congratulation. Along with colleagues, I congratulate my other colleagues in this House who went forward for election in the recent elections. I say to Senator Norris and to others that it shows no disrespect to this House that Members of it should seek election to the other one. I wish to make that point clear. While I have been critical of the way in which we manage the business of this House and have raised the need for reform, I hold this House in very high esteem and respect, as I am sure do the other Members who sought election to the other House.