Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On my behalf and on behalf of his former colleagues in Fianna Fáil, I congratulate Senator O'Donovan on his election as Cathaoirleach of this great Chamber. It is a great day, as colleagues have said, not only for him but for his partner, Eileen, his sons, daughter, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and his many supporters and friends in west Cork. It is a great honour to be Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and I am delighted he has succeeded to this great role.

I pay tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke, who was very fair, balanced and impartial. I wish him well in his many years ahead as a Member of the House. I also congratulate the Leader of the House, Senator Jerry Buttimer, or as some former colleagues used to refer to him, Senator Butterfield, on his appointment. I have known Jerry for many years. When the Cathaoirleach and Senator O'Sullivan were first elected to public office, Senator Buttimer and I were in college together. Little did we know we would end up yet again in the same Chamber. I am delighted for him and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his appointment.

I acknowledge the presence of the iar-Chathaoirleach of the House, Rory Kiely. I have the unique distinction of being the only person he put out of the House when he was Cathaoirleach, when I would not sit down when ordered to do so. Nevertheless, he is very welcome today and I am glad to see him so hale and hearty. I also welcome my former colleague from Monaghan, Francie O'Brien, a good personal friend of mine. They are both very welcome and I am delighted to see them here this afternoon.

I congratulate everybody on their election or re-election to the House. It is a great honour for any of us to serve in this great Chamber. Like other colleagues, my thoughts are with those who sought re-election but were unsuccessful. In particular, I fondly remember the former Leader, Maurice Cummins, with whom I worked very closely.

I look forward to the term ahead. How long it will be none of us knows. I hope it will be a couple of years at least. We all have a contribution to make regardless of from what background we come. Seanad reform, in my opinion, must come from the Chamber itself. I congratulate those who have tabled motions and legislation in this regard. Combining the knowledge and experience on all sides we can come up with a reformed Seanad that is acceptable to everybody.

Once again, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election and look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.