Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Speaking as someone who has been in the ring with him three times and succeeded on the Administrative Panel, it is a fantastic day for him. I know how he campaigns. I know the work he does. I completely understand how and why he gets elected with a resounding vote in every election.

It would be remiss at this stage not to pay tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Senator O'Donovan, and the outgoing Leader, Senator Buttimer, for the work they did in a difficult Seanad. There was no majority, and the absence of a majority created a different dynamic and type of scenario. The challenges we face going forward will undoubtedly be dealt with ably by the Cathaoirleach and our esteemed and fantastic new Leader, Senator Doherty.

There are new Senators who are in the Seanad for the first time today, people like my good friend, Senator Currie, and others. To them I say it is a great day. I remember the first day I walked through the gates of Leinster House. It was 25 May 2011, the proudest day of my life. Today is my third first day, as it were. It is a privilege to be a Member of Seanad Éireann. What a Senator can achieve is phenomenal.

I was the first ever visually impaired Member elected to the Oireachtas. In my third term, I am still the only visually impaired Member.I would have hoped at this stage that would have changed, but sadly, it has not. The one thing I really do commend you for, a Chathaoirligh, is the work you have done in terms of Irish Sign Language. We saw the result of that throughout the pandemic when there were signers at every important press briefing. You took on that issue. You championed it and drove it. I supported you from the Government benches at the time. I helped ruffle feathers because that had to happen, but it was the right thing to do. The one thing that defines this House is that when it is the right thing to do, although we may have our disagreements on how to go about it, we usually roll up our sleeves and work together to deliver in those terms.

I was the only Clare representative in the Seanad for the past four years. I acknowledge that Senator Timmy Dooley is here. I also acknowledge Senator Róisín Garvey, my neighbour, and her commitment to a better Ireland, a better rural Ireland, and a better way of living. I have no doubt her presence is going to be felt here very quickly as we move forward.

I have no doubt, a Chathaoirligh, that you will bring a new, different dynamic style of chairing this Chamber. You will espouse the absolute belief in every citizen being equal. You have demonstrated that in the work you have done heretofore. I have no doubt Seanad Éireann will continue to be a beacon to drive equality as we come out of recession and as we come out of the post-Covid-19 period where recovery will have to be just and fair. What we have achieved in terms of equality can be embedded in our future as we carve and shape our future as we move forward.

We have an enormous body of work to do. I have no doubt that will be done with integrity, with decency and with a determination that every single citizen in this Republic of ours - north, south, east and west - will be brought along in a way that has not happened in the past. The principles and founding principles that drive every Member of this House to be in this House is that they want to see a true, equal and just Ireland. We will work together to achieve that.

Again, Senator Daly, I am absolutely delighted for you. Congratulations and enjoy it.