Before I move the suspension of Standing Orders I take this opportunity on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party and the Government to welcome and extend a fíor fáilte to Deputy Coveney on his return to the Dáil after a lapse of some years. I have known Hugh Coveney for a long time and he has always been a very positive thinker who takes a practical approach to problems.
Kathleen Lynch has been elected to Dáil Éireann for the first time. She has worked long and hard over many years to earn her place in this House. This woman, very conscientiously, applied herself to the tasks on the ground. She has taken up specific issues during the years and followed them through relentlessly. She has gained her reward for her dedication to politics and to serving the interests of the people in Cork South Central — whom she serves at local level — and Cork North Central whom she now represents in this House.
The record of both these Deputies shows all the hard work, which is not always recognised, that goes into politics. For those committed to public service, it is an ever demanding life which demands more and more from us on behalf of constituents. We recognise that the electorate is becoming more volatile, nevertheless that is the challenge for all of us in politics. It is our duty to do what these two new TDs have done and take up that challenge. It will be a poor day for this country if we do not get fine candidates, such as the newly elected Members, to put their names forward and take up the challenge of working for people at local and national level.
I wish Hugh Coveney success on his return to the Dáil and Kathleen Lynch on her election for the first time, I hope they have a long stay.
