Sean Barrett (Independent)

Guim Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise ar gach duine. I join with my colleagues in extending Christmas wishes to everybody here. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his very judicious choice of Leas-Chathaoirleach and Acting Chairmen, who are in the same tradition of himself in their courtesy and fairness. I also thank the Leader. This House could not operate without the wonderful work of the Clerk, and Deirdre and Jody deserve our thanks.

I came to the House for the first time in May, and from the front gate through it is one of the friendliest and most courteous places one could possibly visit. It is a wonderful start for us when we come here to legislate. I visited Stormont shortly after my election and I am glad to see that parliamentary democracy is thriving throughout the island, even after having started from such a unpropitious place. It is important that the people outside who sent us here retain confidence in our ability to help the country through this very difficult period. I am sure we will live up to all their hopes.

Like Senator O'Keeffe and others I remember the happy occasions during the year, such as the innovations introduced by the Leader, and we will support him in all of these. In the city, the Dubs finally achieved a long overdue honour. The Irish cricket team had success in beating England, which is always welcome in any sport and is pretty unusual in cricket. Many north Dubliners played a huge part in this and as recently as last weekend Fionnuala Britton won the European cross-country championship. Other events which occurred during the year of which we should be proud include the splendid inauguration of President Michael D. Higgins. I do not think I heard singers sing so well in Dublin Castle. It was a wonderful occasion. There was also the visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, which accomplished so much. I am sure in her Christmas message Ireland will feature because that visit was long overdue and it made her and Irish people so happy. President Obama returned to inspect his roots in Moneygall and we also wish him well in the new year.

On a sad note, I agree with speakers' comments about suicide, particularly at Christmas and over the new year. One of my colleagues in Trinity College Dublin, John Harbison, the former State pathologist, reminded me many times that in his house the Christmas festivities had to be put on hold because he had to go to work on tragedies in other families. These were cases of suicide by people who had finally lost all hope. This is a feature we need to address.

On the basis of the past five or six months, I am convinced this House will play a notable and noble role in turning this country around. I thank all Senators who have laid a foundation. The cliché that the best is yet to come is true for this House and in 2012 we will astonish the people with what we can accomplish.