Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In his remarks, Senator Norris rightly made reference to the outgoing Leader, Maurice Cummins. I want to pay tribute to him for the way in which he, as Leader of the House, operated and did business. I hope I can, in some small way, follow in his footsteps.

Today, the Fine Gael Party is happy to support Senator Denis O'Donovan for the position of Cathaoirleach. As has been outlined by Senators Daly and Ardagh, he comes with a vast array of experience, both local and national. I have got to know Senator O'Donovan on a personal level over my years in Seanad Éireann. I wish him well and look forward to working with him.

In speaking today, I am conscious that we are gathering for the first time as an elected second Chamber - the Upper House. I am conscious we have the eyes of the nation on us. It is incumbent on all of us to be the voice of the people in a way that is open and transparent and, equally, that we bring about our work through the people, which means we collectively and collaboratively work together to ensure we can bring through the reforms that are needed. I would refer Senator Norris and other Senators to the programme for Government, of which the Manning report is part. I am sure we will see movement around that in the next couple of weeks. It is important, if we are talking about new politics, that this new politics means we embrace what it is, and that we cast aside the old ways and do not seek to oppose for the sake of opposition. We should be conscious of Senator Norris's words that the Seanad is not about defeating the Government, but about advising and working with the Government.

As Leader of the Seanad, I look forward to working with all Members. I am sure I will, like many others, play a role in bringing through legislation and trying to effect change and make our country a better place. Our party, as the party of Government, has never been afraid to do that. Today is not a day for political speeches, however, but a day of celebration for our new Senators. I welcome them to the House today and wish them well. I hope we are here for five years, not just two years. I hope we will together ensure that this Upper House, this august Chamber, will shatter the expectations of so many and that we will tell the sceptics that we can do things better.