Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I warmly welcome Senator Hildegarde Naughton to the House. She has given distinguished service to Galway City Council. She is a former mayor and Galway's loss is the Seanad's gain. I wish her every success here. I am particularly delighted that she is from the west of Ireland and that there is gender balance. There were many queueing up for that position since Dr. McAleese left. There was a queue as long as one's hand from all over Dublin in particular, who felt they were entitled to it. A former Lord Mayor of Dublin thought he was going to get it, but obviously he did not.

It augurs well for the Seanad that Senator Naughton has accepted the position, knowing that it is under pressure. Her appointment could actually help to save the Seanad because she is coming in with fresh thoughts and ideas. I believe her appointment augurs well for the House. I know she has a long political career ahead, whether in the Seanad or the Dáil.

It is a wonderful honour for someone to serve in the Irish Parliament. We all know that. That is why we respect it and that is why I am delighted for Senator Naughton and her family. I congratulate them. I wish them good health and good luck.