Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I did not want to interrupt the very lovely speeches for another excellent candidate, Senator Buttimer, but a minor point of procedure to flag is that I had indicated first. I do not know if it is possible to reflect that in the order in which the motions were taken but it would be good if it was because it is good we get to have all the opportunities to vote that we can.

I thank the Acting Chairperson and note it is really welcome to see him in the Chair today, especially as we come to the end of this historic year. It is my absolute honour to stand and nominate Senator Boyhan for the position of Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. I have served alongside Senator Boyhan since 2016. We are not in the same group but we have seen each others' work and I have worked alongside him and during all of these years my respect and admiration has consistently deepened. I am proposing him for the role of Cathaoirleach because I believe he will bring great commitment and skill to the role, and because, crucially, I believe he cares very deeply about the Seanad and the work we do here.

As colleagues right across the House will recognise, Senator Boyhan is passionate about all aspects of democratic participation from planning to local government, to his dedicated work on the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly or the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, and most importantly he is passionate about Seanad Éireann. He recognises and appreciates that to serve as a Senator is both an honour and a responsibility; one he takes very seriously. That is why Senator Boyhan has so often been the one who is vigilant about fair procedure and proper process. Indeed, we have seen examples of that vigilance just this week. That proven attention to, and respect for, the principles of participation and the rules of good parliamentary practice would be invaluable in the role of Cathaoirleach; particularly when combined with the warmth, good humour and genuine enthusiasm which Senator Boyhan also brings to his engagement with all colleagues right across this House.

An Independent Senator and also an independent thinker, Senator Boyhan has always shown himself willing to listen with genuine openness to proposals and perspectives regardless of whether they originate from Government or from Opposition groups. He considers each policy on its merit and gives a fair hearing to all. In a similar spirit to Alice Stopford Green, who as we heard on Monday, recognised that the Members of the first Seanad were bound by one lofty obligation to complete the building of our common nation, Senator Boyhan has a similar way of seeking common purpose and assuming best intent. Indeed, I have seen Ministers who enter this House with reluctance, be moved towards constructive co-operation in response to the positive engagement and relentless encouragement from Senator Boyhan.

In his contributions to the Seanad, Senator Boyhan does not just draw on his skills as a legislator and as a public representative, he also draws on a deep empathy and the wisdom earned through his own life experience. He can identify the nuance in the text we debate but he also understands and speaks to the human impact of the decisions we are making. The role of the Cathaoirleach goes far beyond chairing the Seanad and the former Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, has shown the possibilities within that role to be an advocate for democracy, for a more diverse and open Oireachtas and for the importance of the Seanad to our society. Senator Boyhan would be an energetic and passionate Cathaoirleach, a fair and impartial Chair and a genuine champion for the Seanad. Indeed, whoever is chosen as Cathaoirleach today will need to serve as a fair and impartial Chair for all across this House and use the role to protect and promote the importance and integrity of the Seanad within and beyond the Oireachtas, including its vital role in the legislative process. The person will have to recognise, and where necessary remind others, that Senators, as parliamentarians and legislators, have a mandate, role and responsibilities that are separate and distinct from those of the Government and the Executive, and that is all part of the precious check and balance of democracy.

Senator Victor Boyhan exemplifies the qualities needed to serve as Cathaoirleach. He would be committed, fair-minded and able Chair. He would be a strong voice for the Seanad in the wider world. I welcome this opportunity to nominate him and ask colleagues to give him their support.