In accordance with Standing Order 11(1)(d), I inform the House that Deputy Catherine Connolly is the successful candidate selected by the secret ballot for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I now put the question: "That Deputy Catherine Connolly, who is the successful candidate duly selected by secret ballot by the Members of Dáil Éireann, be elected and do now take the Chair of the Dáil as Leas-Cheann Comhairle."
Ainmniú Iarrthóirí agus Leas-Cheann Comhairle a thoghadh (Atógáil) - Selection of Candidate and Election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Resumed)
Cléireach na Dála
Question put and agreed to.
I call on the newly elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle to come forward and make her official declarations.
Whereupon Members rose in their places and remained standing while the Leas-Cheann Comhairle proceeded to the Dais.
Standing beside the Chair, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, addressing the Dáil, said:
A Cheann Comhairle agus a Theachtaí, dearbhaím go sollúnta go ndéanfaidh mé go cuí agus go dílis, agus a mhéid is eol agus is cumas dom, oifig Leas-Cheann Comhairle Dháil Éireann a fheidhmiú gan scáth gan fabhar, na rialacha mar atá siad leagtha síos ag an Teach seo a chur i bhfeidhm go cothrom neamhchlaonta, ord a choimeád agus cearta agus pribhléidí comhaltaí a chaomhnú de réir an Bhunreachta agus Bhuan-Orduithe Dháil Éireann.
I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, and maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann.
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle took the Chair.
On behalf of Members I congratulate Deputy Connolly on her historic election. She is the first woman to hold office as Ceann Comhairle or Leas-Cheann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann. It is a great occasion for her, her family and supporters and for all of us here in Dáil Éireann. I acknowledge also the distinguished and honourable campaign run by Deputy Fergus O'Dowd over recent days. Deputy Connolly will serve with distinction, and we have to acknowledge that so, too, would Deputy O'Dowd had he had the fortune of being elected.