I take this, the first opportunity available to me, to make a brief comment on the formal announcement by the Ceann Comhairle earlier today to the effect that he will not avail of his constitutional right to automatic re-election to the 28th Dáil.
I join the tributes paid to him this morning by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and other Members. In adding my sentiments I say sincerely what a great pleasure and privilege it has been to have served with the Ceann Comhairle for more than four years. I thank him for his kindness and courtesy to me during that time. I will always remember the skill, impartiality and integrity he brought to the office of Ceann Comhairle.
I wish him and his wife, Kitty, many years of peaceful, contented retirement.