Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an gCathaoirleach. He did excellent work in his last term and I am sure he will continue that in his role in this House.

I heard several people from larger counties refer to how many Senators they have. Longford one of the smallest counties in the country, but we have an unprecedented situation today where we have three Senators in the House. It is an extraordinary turnaround. I welcome Senator Joe Conway to the House. He is on loan to Waterford at the moment but he is originally from Culleenmore and Colehill in south Longford. Three of his sisters, who still reside in Longford, are immensely proud of his achievement. I know it was mentioned that he has had a long trek here. I think he has fought three Seanad elections, and ultimately, he got here. It was four Seanad elections. The morale of the story is that perseverance pays off. Whether it is trying to stay happily married or go into politics, persevere at it and it might work out.

I am especially honoured to also welcome - I have to cross the party divide for this - Senator Paraic Brady, who I am sure is here beside me, to the House. If he is quiet now, he will not be quiet in the ensuing months. Senators will certainly hear him in this Chamber. Be it on farmers' rights or farm prices, he will be very vocal. He is indicative of a very strong tradition of public service in this country. Both his grandmother and his late father were excellent county councillors in Longford, as was Paraic. I am delighted to see him take up this role. He is also the second Senator from Drumlish in this House. His predecessor, Eddie Bohan, had a more endearing feature in that he was a member of Fianna Fáil. He was an excellent Senator. He was jovial, and came from an era when this Members of this House set themselves apart and identified the important role we have as legislators. I am delighted Paraic is here, and wish him and Joe well. Longford abú.