Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We realise that we have ample opportunity to speak in the Chamber on a range of issues on any day of the week, but it would be remiss of me not to congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. Many attributes have been directed his way by a number of speakers, with whom I agree. He has and holds two very important attributes, which he showed as Cathaoirleach previously, that are crucial going forward. The first is his relationship and connections with our friends in America. That is more important now than it ever will be. It is to be hoped that in his position as Cathaoirleach he will be able to enhance that for us as a country over the next number of years.

He has always been open-minded as Cathaoirleach. People have talked about him as a reforming Cathaoirleach but he has certainly been open-minded. We share a keen interest in Ukraine and its people. I remember very early on in my first term, I came to him with a proposal regarding four Ukrainian MPs who were willing to come to Ireland to speak in this Chamber. This was only three or four months into the war. The Cathaoirleach was more than willing to offer this Chamber to them to speak in. This became the first Chamber in the world that any Ukrainian MPs spoke in in person when the war started. That is an example of what we in this Chamber can do by working together under the Cathaoirleach's leadership. I wish him well.

I wish our father of the House, Senator Wilson, well. He is a man I hugely admire. He will suit the role of father of the House perfectly. He embodied the role of father of the House even before becoming it.

I congratulate everyone who has been elected. I look forward to working with people in the coming months and years. I particularly welcome my friend from County Tipperary, Councillor Imelda Goldsboro. I also acknowledge Senators Noonan and Rabbitte, who are welcome to the Seanad. They both did immense work in their portfolios in the previous term. They were constant visitors to this Chamber and respected it hugely as Ministers of State. They also respected its Members. I wanted to acknowledge that. I look forward to working with them too.

As everyone in politics knows, you cannot be in politics without the support of your family. I talked to Senator Flynn earlier, who I became very good friends with. Every week, we find we have more and more things in common. When she spoke about her mother passing away 25 years ago, I said to her that my mother passed away 25 years ago as a serving Member of the Lower House. My father, Liam Ahearn, is present. She could not have done it without his support. That support has continued 25 years later. I certainly would not be in this Chamber without his support. I thank him for that. I also thank my wife and children. I was tempted to invite them today, but I have a five-year-old and a two-year-old and I feared that the Cathaoirleach would have to kick out my five-year-old if I brought him here; maybe I will bring him on a quieter day.

I look forward to working with everyone to bring about what we all spoke about, which is positive change. We come from different backgrounds and have different priorities but by working together we can deliver change. I look forward to doing that.