Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate you on your appointment, a Chathaoirligh, and wish you every success in the coming years. I acknowledge your family and the presence of your father. All the members of your family have assisted you so much. I recognise the Cathaoirleach as somebody who has a great love of this institution. He is an institutionalist in respecting the constitutional role of this institution. He had a number of innovations in his previous term as Cathaoirleach and I am sure there are more to come in that regard. He has developed strong links with and has a great affinity for the United States of America. I certainly hope those links will be of use over the coming years in what could be turbulent times. I wish him well in those and in the Irish-American caucus which he has worked so hard on as well.

I acknowledge the former Cathaoirleach, Deputy Jerry Buttimer, and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of State. I remember as well the outgoing Leader of the House, Lisa Chambers, on her retirement from politics. I also acknowledge Paddy Burke, the outgoing father of the House, and congratulate Senator Wilson on assuming the office of father of the House. Senator Wilson mentioned five Senators from Cavan. We from Galway can beat that. We have myself and Senator P. J. Murphy, Senator Ollie Crowe, Senator Rónán Mullen, Senator Craughwell, Senator Higgins and Senator Curley from the great County of Galway. I am not sure if anyone can surpass that. Do not mind the Dubs. And with Senator Rabbitte there are eight of us; excellent.

I congratulate all Members elected to this House. It is a great honour. I also remember those who, unfortunately, were not re-elected or elected. It can be a gruelling campaign to be on the road but it is a privilege to serve. We should never forget the privilege and the opportunities we have garnered from that. I look forward to working with the Cathaoirleach over the coming years and indeed with all Members of this House in the business and day-to-day running of the House.