Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to join in the good wishes extended to Enda Kenny, Fionnuala, Ferdia, Naoise and Aoibhinn on the occasion of the Taoiseach's retirement.

I shall make a brief comment and quickly raise another issue. Enda Kenny brought a particular energy and positivity to whatever he did. He had a leadership style that had a huge enthusiasm and optimism. All of that was tempered with humanity and great personal skill. He brought those traits to his leadership of the party of which he was transformative. He also brought the same traits to the leadership of the country where he was transformative in the economic and social spheres and right across a range of areas. He has left a huge legacy and it was all done with probity. We should acknowledge today that alongside him was a person who brought enormous capacity, patriotism and great skill to his role and I refer to Michael Noonan. Great tribute should be paid to Michael Noonan today also.

I shall raise another issue that was very dear to Enda Kenny as Taoiseach and to Michael Noonan. I call on the parties in the North, as should this House, to restore the Executive in Northern Ireland. Brexit will be a huge challenge for this country on so many fronts. This island is being confronted by Brexit and a myriad of issues such as the fluctuation of sterling. Therefore, it is important that we re-establish the power sharing Executive in Northern Ireland. I call on the parties in the North to do so and this House should join in my call.