Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Ba bhreá liom fáilte a chur roimh an Taoiseach agus gach rath a ghuí air agus ár n-Uachtaránacht ar an Aontas Eorpach faoina stiuradh. In keeping with the best democratic and inclusive traditions of the Seanad, the Independent university Senators are sharing time equally. I am glad to have an opportunity to welcome and congratulate the Taoiseach. We would have liked the opportunity to congratulate him at an earlier date but we look forward to greeting him again. The various contributions by Senators suggest that even on his own side of the House Members harbour the hope or expectation of greeting him again when he is re-elected as Taoiseach. The Seanad does not mind being on probation but we do not like being on death row. We recognise that while the checks and balances needed in a democracy often require serious reform, they rarely, if ever, require abolition. That is a shared view across this House.

In outlining his important agenda the Taoiseach hit all the key notes, particularly the idea that Ireland must not be given cause to regret going the extra mile. It is inevitable that the economic crisis will drive much of the agenda of the upcoming Presidency. Given President Van Rompuy's thoughts on greater fiscal and budgetary integration, many of us will expect the Taoiseach to press the importance of allowing Ireland to maintain its own corporation tax rates. However, if the only focus is on economic matters that in itself will create crisis in the longer term because we need to return to a Europe of values and a focus on solidarity, respect for life and the dignity of every person.