Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I now seek forgiveness rather than permission. Only one candidate in the election to the Lower House is present, Senator Conway-Walsh. Fair play to her for turning up. I wish the best to all my colleagues from all parties who are seeking election to the Lower House, including Senators Ardagh, Clifford-Lee, Murnane O'Connor and Gallagher from my party, and to all people who put their names forward. When I was elected to this House in April 2016 - we finally took our seats in June that year - not many people would have predicted that the Seanad would survive this long. It is great that we have. Much good legislation has gone through this House and, indeed, some bad legislation was prevented from getting through this House and certainly through both Houses before the Lower House was dissolved last week.

I pay tribute to the Clerk of the Seanad, Mr. Martin Groves, and his team, to his predecessor, Ms Deirdre Lane, and to the staff of the Seanad office as well as to Fiona, my office staff and all my friends and family who have helped me to get this far.I hope to be back the next time, but that is for another day. I would like to wish those who are not standing again every success in their future lives, whatever they choose to do.