Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Tá scéala faighte agam ó Cheann Comhairimh Toghcháin an Uachtaráin a chur in iúl dom go ndearna sí, an 29 Deireadh Fómhair 2011, a dhearbhú Michael D. Higgins a bheith tofa ina Uachtarán ar Éirinn.

I have received a communication from the presidential election returning officer informing me that she has, on 29 October 2011, declared Michael D. Higgins to have been elected President of Ireland.

I take the opportunity to warmly congratulate the President-elect, Mr. Michael D. Higgins. He was first nominated to this House by the then Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, in 1973 and also served with great distinction in the 17th Seanad from 1983 to 1987 where he excelled in his contributions on matters of social justice and equality. He used the House to highlight many humanitarian issues in places such as Nicaragua and El Salvador. On my behalf and on behalf of the House, I wish him, his wife, Sabina, and family every best wish for his term as the ninth President of Ireland. It is appropriate that the leaders of the various groups and parties in the Seanad be allowed to make a brief statement to express their good wishes.