Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I will be brief because I know other Members wish to speak. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his unanimous election and compliment my colleague, Senator Norris, on his excellent opening remarks. I do not know why but when we were waiting for the photograph to be taken on the plinth, Senator Norris remarked that he would be only joining us for a very short period of time and that he hopes to be here for less than a year. I wish him the best of luck in his endeavours in regard to the Presidency.

It is a proud day for the Cathaoirleach and his family. When his name was mentioned at the Fianna Fáil group meeting, there was unanimous approval for his candidacy, to such an extent, that in the unlikely event of anybody else being nominated, we were going to vote for him. That should put him at ease.

I take the opportunity to congratulate Senator Cummins on his appointment by the Taoiseach as Leader of House. There was some uncertainty about whether he would be Leader but as the Fianna Fáil Whip, I can confirm that Senator Cummins is the Leader of the House. While we will provide robust opposition, I give him a commitment that we will not cause him too much difficulty today.

I congratulate the Government Chief Whip, Senator Paul Coghlan, on his appointment and look forward to working with him. I also congratulate Senator Ivana Bacik on her appointment as the deputy leader of the House and look forward to working with her.

I congratulate all Members on their election to this House. It is a great honour to serve as a Member of the Seanad. In particular, I welcome the 11 Taoiseach's nominees and, as a republican from Cavan and an Ulsterman, I welcome Senator McAleese who represents the Nationalist and Unionist traditions in Northern Ireland. I also welcome a fellow Cavan person, Senator Kathryn Reilly, who at 22 years of age is the youngest Member not only of the Seanad but of the Houses of the Oireachtas, and look forward to working with her.