Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a pleasure to second Senator Coghlan’s nomination. He has been a county councillor, a Senator and, for the past few years, a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. He is also a former banker and a member of the Institute of Banking. He was a member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers. He was also involved in establishing links with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, he co-authored a report on illicit trade and police co-operation North and South which highlighted all criminal trading along the Border and recommended the establishment of a task force to tackle such issues. He brings with him a wealth of experience from inside and outside this House. I have no doubt that he would be an excellent Leas-Chathaoirleach. He has been an Acting Chairman in this House over the past ten years and has gained valuable experience. He is also an undertaker and was the last man to put a smile on a lot of faces. I have no doubt he is an ideal candidate for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.