Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuireann sé gliondar ar mo chroí tacú leis an moladh atá déanta ag an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh maidir le hainmniú Rose Conway-Walsh mar Chathaoirleach ar an Seanad. I support Senator Ó Clochartaigh's nomination of Senator Rose Conway-Walsh. I do so very proudly as a Northern voice in this institution. Senator Norris, in his impassioned contribution, referred to the reform of this institution. The most glaringly obvious reform required is the need to give voice to Irish citizens across the country, thereby making it a truly national Parliament. The greatest anomaly for me is that while I can be elected to this institution and speak here, I cannot vote in the election of its Members and nor can my family, friends or neighbours back home in Belfast. I hope, as we progress, that we will look on this institution on a national basis and that we will take on the interests and concerns of citizens across our 32 counties.

As a proud Northern voice, I second the nomination of a very proud, dedicated and committed western voice to take on the role of Cathaoirleach. It is vital for the running of this institution that we have somebody who can garner the support of all Members. It is also vitally important for public confidence, as we steer through some of the more choppy waters to which Senator Norris referred in his contribution, that we have a Cathaoirleach who does not come from Fine Gael or those who sustain that party in government, Fianna Fáil.I am delighted to second the nomination of Senator Rose Conway-Walsh.