Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

On a serious note, Senator O'Donovan is an outstanding Member of this House and he was also an outstanding Member of the Dáil. He is something of a legend in the electoral history of Fianna Fáil because he managed to win a seat in a constituency where it was seen as being almost impossible for my party to do so. By a quirk of misfortune, he lost out in 2007 when he was destined to serve either in Cabinet or as a Minister of State as a result of his performance in the previous Dáil.

Senator O'Donovan is a man of great grit and courage and he understates his legal ability and knowledge. However, he is always available to help anyone who needs it and has certainly been a great friend and adviser to me. We could select no better person to serve as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I look forward to his elevation.