Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are fortunate to have two capable and qualified candidates for the post. I am the leader of the Independent group and I will share with the House a discussion we had. Some of us chatted the other day when there was talk or speculation of three candidates from Fine Gael. A number of us suggested that if Fine Gael did not propose Senator Joe O'Reilly then we would propose him. I shared that with him yesterday.

I know Senator Warfield. He has an exceptional record but on this occasion we will vote for Senator Joe O'Reilly. We do so because he is an exceptional man. He is, as I have described in this House, a bit of a character. I mean that in the nicest sense. My own father was described as a character and it was not perhaps always positive. It is a term we use in Irish life. At funerals we say the deceased was a great character. I say that in the best way. He is a wonderful character. He is articulate and friendly. To lose a seat and come back is the hardest thing. The hardest thing is to fall and get back up and running again but Senator O'Reilly did that.

It is important that we have a competition. We are fortunate on this occasion. These are difficult circumstances, especially in how this position is being filled. I want to acknowledge Senator Buttimer for his work as Leader in the past and as Leas-Chathaoirleach. He did an exceptional job. He brought extraordinary energy to the job and was greatly committed. Times move on, however, and these are different times and different circumstances. I wish both the candidates well but in particular I want to wish Senator O'Reilly well, as I have connections with Cavan and he is a Cavan man.