Imelda Goldsboro (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his role. It is a great day for his family. I have met some of them here today. I also acknowledge his link with and connectivity to the US. There are murky waters right now for our imports and exports and these are turbulent times. These are also turbulent times for many undocumented Irish in America. There is the fear of the unknown for them – I know quite a number of them myself.

I also want to acknowledge Martin Groves and his staff. Since I arrived here on Monday, their kindness and support has meant so much to me and is making this journey very easy. I offer a sincere thanks to all of the staff. I thank An Taoiseach for the nomination. It is a great honour for me.

Tipperary South is a new constituency. We have had a long and difficult year. We went through the local and general elections and the Seanad campaign. We took the scenic route, but we got here at long last. Without the endorsement of the Taoiseach, that would not have been possible. I thank my family, including my three children, some of whom I am trying to make into politicians. Others are allergic to politics. I thank my team, some of whom are here today. When it comes to politics, we all know that you cannot do it on your own. You need a team and backup. I want to sincerely thank each and every person involved.

I was in the council for 11 years, having started in 2014. I was a community activist long before that. We are all here today and have our agendas and challenges for our constituencies and areas. We are not lacking those in Tipperary South. We will highlight these issues. I know the past number of weeks have been challenging for many, following the storm and the effects of climate change. However, today is a day where we are all getting to know each other. We all bring our own strengths and abilities to the table. This Seanad will be very productive. I can hear the enthusiasm and positivity. Each and every one of us has our strengths and is inspiring in our own way.It would be remiss of me not to sympathise with those from the Roscommon area on the passing of Councillor Waldron. He did great work for the tourism industry, both urban and local, trying to rejuvenate it. I extend my sincere sympathies to those who were close to him and to his family at this very difficult time.