Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know William is watching at work.

I thank my first cousin, J.J., and his wife, Nora, who have campaigned in every election with us. My second home is present - former Senator, Denis Cregan and his wife, Mary. I am their eighth child. I felt like I was always part of their family.

I am joined by Dan Ryan and Enda, two friends of mine who have been with me all the time, and Ruth Lawlor, my secretary, who is not my secretary; she is my mother, my friend, my confidante, the effervescent ever-giving-out person in my life but she is a wonderful true friend.

I thank my wonderful nieces and nephew for bringing me much laughter and pride but, above all, for their cheap electoral support in dropping leaflets and canvassing.

I thank my family for the encouragement and support they have given me during my time as a public representative. Today, we remember Conchobar's late father, Timmy, and especially thank Mrs. Ó Laoghaire for her support. Thankfully, she is still very much with us.

I think of my parents, Nancy and Jerry senior, the biggest influences in my life. Both believed in public service and in looking after the marginalised in our society. We miss them every day. They would be very happy to see me here today, their son elected as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. I know they are with me. I wish Mum had the opportunity to see her two sons give of themselves in public life, and John, as Lord Mayor of Cork, did so exceptionally.

My Dad attended two Seanad counts, in 2007 and 2016. To say he loved the counts would be an understatement. Tom Burke published a beautiful picture of us after the 2016 count smiling. My father became an expert on the Seanad electoral system at 2 a.m. in 2007 during a very tense Labour Panel count. A friendship grew from that with Senator Cassells and I thank Shane for his support and friendship over the years. I thank my parents for their love and for all the sacrifices they made to afford us as a family every opportunity in life.

This is an important week. The seamless transfer of power tomorrow of the offices of Taoiseach and Tánaiste from the leader of Fianna Fáil to Fine Gael, and here in Seanad Éireann from one Cathaoirleach to another Cathaoirleach of different parties, demonstrates the strength of our democracy. We are fortunate that we live in the best country in the world. Let us celebrate it. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Go raibh maith agaibh.

I should welcome Deputy Stanton to the Gallery as well, and Brian Murphy, chief of staff of the Fine Gael Party. I thank all the people in the Public Gallery, friends of mine from Fine Gael LGBT, Fine Gael staff members and people in the Tánaiste's office.

I now call Senator Victor Boyhan.