Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That Senator Paul Coghlan be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach."

Molaim an Seanadóir Paul Coghlan mar Leas-Chathaoirleach ar an Seanad. Is mó bliain atá tugtha don pholaitíocht ag an Seanadóir, ní hamháin ag leibhéal an rialtais náisiúnta ach ag leibhéal an rialtais áitiúil leis. Leas-Chathaoirleach cumasach neamh-chlaonta a bheidh ann.

It is my privilege on behalf of the Fine Gael group to propose Senator Coghlan for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. Senator Coghlan comes to this position today with a huge volume of experience in local and national government along with his tremendous business acumen from his role as a business person. He is also a husband and a father and will bring to the role of Leas-Chathaoirleach an experienced voice and a fair perspective that will embrace all sides of the House. In all his time in this House, Senator Coghlan, I am sure, has never had a cross word with anyone. He was elected to Killarney Town Council in 1985, Kerry County Council in 1991 and to Seanad Éireann in 1997. As we all will remember from the Seanad election just gone, Senator Coghlan's Lazarus-like resurrection, thanks to a huge outpouring of transfers, will testify to his warmth and the goodwill towards him across the political divide. He will bring to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach a wide network of friends and contacts with which he can work.

It is also as a Member of this House that Senator Coghlan has demonstrated his ability to work on many different issues. These include banking and industry and commerce issues as well as issues regarding, in particular, the British-Irish Parliamentary Association where he was the chairperson of Committee A. This committee produced an important report on illicit trade and police co-operation and the Government accepted the recommendation on a task force in this report.

Equally, his efforts in regard to the cultural life in Kerry, in particular Muckross House, have shown his ability to work in many different facets. Those of us who know Senator Coghlan will know and understand his love and passion for Muckross. He was a trustee and a former chairman of Muckross House and revolutionised and transformed it into a very important visitor centre for the people of Killarney. He played a pivotal role in that.Those of us who used to work in local radio will know that he was one of the pioneers of the local radio movement when it began, and is to this day involved with Radio Kerry. Those of us who live on the Cork-Kerry border regularly hear Senator Coghlan on a Saturday morning speaking about anything from the price of milk to the price of whatever you want across Europe or the world. He is regularly on Radio Kerry.

It is important in this era of new politics that we have a person of experience. I commend the other Senators on their nominations and for contesting this. They are two very fine candidates. I know Senator Landy better. He is a very fine person and I wish him well, as I do Senator Devine. I hope she understands that there is nothing personal in our putting forward Senator Coghlan today.

It is important that we have a person of the calibre of Senator Paul Coghlan to deputise for the Cathaoirleach and to be an impartial Chair of the House in his absence. He is a man of the people, of this House and of the Oireachtas. He is extremely able, conscientious and firm and gives wise counsel. Those who have met and known him over the years will recognise that. I have had the pleasure of having Senator Coghlan as my beau on several occasions and he has been a very able date. On a serious note, it is my pleasure as Leader of the House to propose Senator Paul Coghlan.