Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ministers of Government, Senators and Deputies, and, of course, the bigger Oireachtas parliamentary family that is here in such numbers. I do not think I have ever seen as many people in the room. It has the sense of a carnival or a festival here today.Well done to Senator Buttimer. We have heard some really inspirational words from him today. What has always struck me about him is his ability to interweave life's experience and emotions, which makes it very real. We have done a good day's work and made a good choice. I have no doubt Senator Buttimer will be an exceptional Cathaoirleach and I wish him well. He will need the support of everyone in this House now. We have made a choice. We have chosen our Cathaoirleach in the Seanad, which is our privilege.

I welcome Senator Buttimer's family and his husband Conchobar. It is a very moving time for them. RTÉ was right this morning. I began my remarks by saying that when I took the frost off my car this morning and turned the key I heard the pips for the 7 o'clock news. The newsreader said that Jerry Buttimer would be Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. That did not come as a surprise to me at all and I can see why. He is an exceptional person and is here at the right time. There is a time and a place for everything and Senator Buttimer is the right man in the right chair at the right time. I wish him every happiness in this job. I know he will do a fantastic job and once more I say, well done.