Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I join the Cathaoirleach and the other party leaders in congratulating Mr. Michael D. Higgins, our ninth President. He has had a long and distinguished career in both the Seanad and Dáil as well as in the Cabinet and representing Ireland abroad in different capacities. I am particularly proud to stand here and welcome his election on behalf of the Labour group of Senators. Each of the 12 Labour Senators nominated Mr. Michael D. Higgins personally. He was nominated by Labour Oireachtas Members and as a party we are very happy to have nominated him. As he said at the count in Dublin Castle, he will of course be a President for all the people. I know he will be a President of whom we will all be proud, not just those who canvassed for him, but also those who did not and supported others. He will be a President who will make us all proud and will represent Ireland abroad with dignity, integrity and honour. I am very proud to be able to welcome his election. I wish him, his wife, Sabina, and their family very well.