Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, add my voice to the call to nominate Senator O'Donovan. When I came into this House, I was a very lonely individual having won a by-election against the odds thanks to my colleagues in Fine Gael and, in particular, the Taoiseach.

In speaking in favour of the nomination of Senator O’Donovan, two Members of the previous Seanad stand out in my mind, the first being Senator Paddy Burke, who has been mentioned by everybody present. I had difficulty obtaining speaking time here but, in fairness, Senator Paddy Burke acted as the most fair Cathaoirleach and ensured that, any time I wished to speak, I got an opportunity to do so. When his colleague, Senator O’Donovan, the then Leas-Chathaoirleach, was in the Chair, he also ensured I got the opportunity to speak.

Like Senator Norris, I note that there are a number of Members in the House today who believe it should have been abolished. They are quite happy to be back here now as Senators. We will have to learn to work together. Those on the Government side who enjoyed an enormous majority under the previous Administration could come in and ram anything they wished through the House. Those days are gone. They will have to learn to talk, negotiate and make new friends in order to get what they need to go through the House. I look forward to working with them and assure them that, as in the previous Seanad, I will not vote against legislation just because they are bringing it forward. However, we will have to learn to work together and co-operate with one another.

I noted when I came in here today that there was a massive rush to this side of the House and that the other side was empty. There was fierce reluctance to sit on the other side today. We will see what way the seating arrangements work out over the next few days. I have no qualms whatsoever with the other nominee other than the fact that I have personal experience of Senator O'Donovan, whom I wish well.

I wish Senator Buttimer well as Leader of the House. I have enjoyed many a joust with him on Twitter and I am looking forward to jousting with him in this House. He has a tough act to follow in following former Senator Maurice Cummins, who is without doubt one of the finest gentlemen I have known in my time. Although I did not agree with him on everything, he was a tremendous Leader of this House and one who will be sadly missed. Senator Buttimer has a big act to follow but I wish him well.