Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At the end of my few words, I was going to note that the Cathaoirleach is a west Cork man. I know that Senator Buttimer's roots are also in west Cork, and, as was mentioned, Bernie is also in the audience. As a proud Westmeath man, I find myself in the precarious position that, irrespective of whether I am at home or at work, I will be answerable to somebody from west Cork. I will just have to get used to it.

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach. Many Members have worked with him over a 30-year period, whereas I have only got to know him since the start of the Seanad election campaign. As they say, however, first impressions give the best reflections. While we were on the same panel for the same party, scurrying after the same votes throughout the country, I was - like a young footballer coming onto a team - often left wide open whereas the Cathaoirleach was the senior hard hitter. He could have taken me out at any time but, irrespective of that, he was a thorough gentleman. Any conversation or communication we had was always full of advice, goodwill and good wishes. As I said, I formulated my opinion on first impressions and, as has been reiterated by everyone who has spoken, I got it right. Senator O'Donovan was an honourable gentleman during the campaign and he is the ideal man for Cathaoirleach. Although this is my first occasion in the, I have been watching politics and often watched "Oireachtas Report", so I know he was an excellent Leas-Chathaoirleach. I know he will bring all of those qualities to the Chair.

Like most of those who have spoken, I have come to this House with a brief. Today is the Cathaoirleach's day but I am looking forward greatly to the Chamber beginning to function so we can start raising the issues we want to highlight and dealing with the problems we are here to solve. Today is not that day; today is his day. I again give my heartiest congratulations to the Cathaoirleach, to Eileen and to his entire extended family.