Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That Senator Fintan Warfield be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach."

In nominating Senator Warfield, I make the point that we in this House are very lucky and very privileged to have candidates of such calibre before us this afternoon. I echo and agree with the remarks made in respect of our colleague, Senator Joe O'Reilly. I have spoken to the Senator and I know he understands our thinking behind this process this afternoon. I have got to know the Senator since coming into the Seanad in 2016. Apart from his thoughtfulness and leadership in this Chamber, which have been mentioned, one of my abiding memories of him was that he led a delegation from the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU on a visit to Belfast. He did so impeccably and with all the astute political prowess he has gained as a Member of this House. I am very thankful to him for that and, like Senator Warfield, I wish him very well in today's business and in what may come after. The Leader touched on the possibility of a run for Áras an Uachtaráin down the line. I hope we get that referendum. One never knows where the Senator might feature on the card. Given that I am doing this to the Senator today, I may owe him a vote, should I get one.

Our candidate this afternoon is, to put it bluntly, not old enough to run for the Áras as one has to be 35 to do so. It shows quite positively the breadth of experience and perspective in this Chamber that we are able to nominate a young man such as Senator Warfield, who could bring something entirely different although equally as positive and worthwhile to the role of Leas-Chathaoirleach. He could take on that position in an outward-facing and active way which showcases to a whole range of groups in our society that, no matter where one comes from or what one's background is, one is able to attain a position in this House and in that prestigious Chair. On behalf of the Sinn Féin grouping, I nominate my friend and comrade, Senator Fintan Warfield, for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I wish him and Senator Joe O'Reilly the very best.