Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When I came up here, I was slightly sidetracked by Senator David Norris who put me in the Minister’s chair for a while. I thank the Captain of the Guard, Mr. John Flaherty, for escorting me to the Chair. I should have said this at the start.

On the list of people I read I noticed that one of the most able contributors to the last Seanad was probably an anchorman on the Government side, Senator Maurice Cummins, who is a great friend of mine. I really felt sorry that he had lost out. His name is not on my list, but that is my problem. I wish to mention the tremendous work he did as Leader of the Seanad for the past five years.

My predecessor, Senator Paddy Burke, was tremendously able. He is fairly quiet-spoken and probably milder than I am. In five years we did not exchange a cross word. When he was away or absent, for whatever reason, as sometimes happened, I performed my responsibilities as Leas-Chathaoirleach. The Senator was a pleasure to work with and a gentleman and he is back in the House again.

On the order of Members’ contributions, it is important that Senator Rose Conway-Walsh who put her name forward be let say a cúpla focal. It is good to have a contest.