Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today, I am thinking of all of the councillors and former councillors throughout the country, including my father, who are watching television today. They will be saying what most councillors say when Senators excel in their role, which is that they would not be there only for their votes. Many councillors are thinking this today. It is their wisdom in voting for Senator Buttimer to be a Senator that has given him the position today more so than us voting for him.

I wish the Cathaoirleach well. When he spoke, it was about family. We both know each other's families very well. We are very proud of our fathers and mothers and our wider families. I know his parents would be very proud of him today. Our families are quite similar. I looked at the Gallery after the Cathaoirleach was successfully appointed to the position. His family headed off to celebrate while he is still working. Family support is key and I acknowledge this.

I had the privilege of spending an awful lot of time in the constituency of Cork South-Central and I learned several things. One was that Senator Buttimer is much loved by the people there. This is the case for himself and his brother John in local elections as well as in general elections and in the wide Fine Gael community. He, Deputy Coveney and Deirdre Clune showed how working together can benefit the party and all representatives of the area. We often see in politics, especially in big political parties, there can sometimes be challenges between people from the same party in the same constituency. I never once saw that between any of the Oireachtas Members in Cork South-Central. This is a testament to the Cathaoirleach and to them.

The Cathaoirleach spoke about many topics he wants to focus on. It was a very thoughtful speech. I ask him to continue the work done by Senator Mark Daly on Ukraine. Senator Mark Daly has done many things in the past two years and has had achievements. The House has had world renown and recognition for some of what he did. Only now are other countries following through on motions this House passed. Last week the European Parliament did what we did months ago. I ask the Cathaoirleach to continue this support. I know he will.

I acknowledge Senators Doherty and Chambers in their roles and the switchover. It is like they are besties. They are like Deputies Donohoe and Michael McGrath in many ways. It is very important to have a good working relationship and I wish them well. I also acknowledge Senator Joe O'Reilly in his position over the past two years as Leas-Chathaoirleach. He has a wonderful personality. There is a very funny side to him but also a very serious side. He has played a key role in the past two years. I also acknowledge Senator Pauline O'Reilly in her role as leader of the Green Party and wish Senator Garvey well in taking up the role. I thank and acknowledge Senator Kyne. In his position as Chief Whip he had a 100% record over the last two and a half years. However, his record was touch and go on the last day because I was at home feeding my one-week-old child while looking at the votes. I thought to myself that the voting was close but that I could not make it back so could not vote. Senator Robbie Gallagher is up against it in terms of keeping that 100% record going.

My family and I wish to acknowledge that today is Senator Buttimer's day. We, and an awful lot of people in County Tipperary, hold him in such high regard and are as delighted as we all are here for him.