I beg to move that Senator Westropp-Bennett be elected Chairman of the Seanad for the three years' period now starting. Since Senator Bennett was elected Vice-Chairman of this assembly, he occupied the Chair on several occasions and conducted the business of the House in a dignified, courteous and able manner. When a question of procedure or the interpretation of the Standing Orders arose, his decisions were always prompt and lucid and given in a manner which evoked no dissent. Only on one occasion was a ruling of Senator Bennett's disputed, and on that being referred to Lord Glenavy and other authorities they upheld his ruling. On Committees, he gave constant attendance and able service. Of course, it will be difficult for any Senator to follow Lord Glenavy in the Chair, as he set a very high standard of Chairmanship, but whoever is elected to the Chair can always count on the loyal support and help of his colleagues in preserving order and maintaining the privileges and rights of the House. As I am speaking of Lord Glenavy, I should perhaps say how much we all regret his retirement from the House. He was a man of outstanding ability and striking personality and made a great impression upon Senators. They seemed eventually to regard him almost with affection. Like other Senators, I hope that Lord Glenavy will be spared many years——
ELECTION OF CATHAOIRLEACH.
Is it in order to make a speech when proposing the Cathaoirleach?
CHAIRMAN
As far as I remember, the practice at the previous election was that the proposer was allowed to make a speech.
No.
I proposed Senator Bennett this time three years and made a speech in doing so. Senator MacLoughlin proposed Lord Glenavy and he also made a speech, and also the seconders.
CHAIRMAN
The seconders do not. I appeal to the seconders not to make speeches, but I will allow the proposers to make speeches.
You are breaking the custom. The custom was that no speech was made and that was adhered to by Lord Glenavy.
I think there is a resolution upon the books, proposed by Senator O'Farrell, that on an occasion like this no speeches would be permitted except those of the proposer and seconder.
I formally propose that Senator Westropp-Bennett be elected Cathaoirleach for the next three years. To refuse to Senator Bennett the promotion to which he is justly entitled, and which is in the usual order would, I think, be ungracious and ungenerous.
I beg to second the motion.
I propose, as an amendment, the name of Senator Douglas. I do so in full realisation of the great importance, in the interest of the efficiency of our proceedings, that this position should be filled by a person well-qualified to discharge its very onerous duties and responsibilities. As already stated, the House was very fortunate in the early days of its life in having as Chairman a man of long parliamentary experience and great personal ability. The work may not be now so severe or trying as it has been, in some respects, in the past but still the position will always be a very onerous one. It demands intimate knowledge of what I might call the technique of the position of chairman of a legislative body. Senator Douglas possesses that knowledge in a very special measure, perhaps in greater measure than any other member of this House. He worked very hard over a long period to acquire experience and knowledge. All of us who have been here for the past six years know that Senator Douglas has a great knowledge of the technique of the business here and that is why I and others urged him to allow his name to be put forward for the office of Cathaoirleach. It was with great reluctance that he agreed to our suggestion to allow his name to be put forward. The House, I think, does not desire that long speeches be made on this occasion but I have given my reason for putting forward the name of Senator Douglas for the Chairmanship of the Seanad.
I second the proposal, and I do so on the very same ground that Senator Bagwell set forth in his speech. I know Senator Douglas's unique and extraordinary knowledge of our Constitution and Standing Orders and I know that he has been of great assistance on many occasions. I cannot help thinking he would be a worthy successor to the former occupant of the Chair, Lord Glenavy.
CHAIRMAN
As no other names have been put forward, the House will now proceed to the election. A voting paper will be handed to each Senator on which he will enter the name of the candidate for whom he wishes to vote. He will deliver the paper to the Clerk at the table and at the same time announce his vote publicly.
Before the vote is taken, do we understand that a Senator nominated for office can vote for himself?
CHAIRMAN
Yes, certainly.
The voting was as follows:—
FOR SENATOR BENNETT—41.
Dr. Henry L. Barniville.
Sir Edward Bellingham.
T. Westropp Bennett.
Alfred Byrne.
Caitlin Bean Ui Cleirigh.
Michael Comyn, K.C.
Joseph Connolly.
Mrs. Costello.
William Cummins.
J.C. Dowdall.
Michael Duffy.
Sir Thomas Grattan Esmonde.
Michael Fanning.
Thomas Farren.
Thomas Foran.
Dr. O. St. J. Gogarty.
Major-General Sir William Hickie.
Thomas Johnson.
Cornelius Kennedy.
Patrick W. Kenny.
Thomas Linehan.
Sean E. McEllin.
James MacKean.
John MacLoughlin.
General Sir Bryan Mahon.
Sean Milroy.
William John Molloy.
Colonel Moore.
Sir Walter Nugent.
Joseph O'Connor.
Joseph O'Doherty.
John T. O'Farrell.
Michael F. O'Hanlon.
Bernard O'Rourke.
Dr. William O'Sullivan.
James J. Parkinson.
Siobhan Bean an Phaoraigh.
Seamus Robinson.
William Sears.
Thomas Toal.
Richard Wilson.
FOR SENATOR DOUGLAS—12.
John Bagwell.
William Barrington.
Sir Edward Coey Bigger.
Countess of Desart.
Mrs. Stopford Green.
Sir J.P. Griffith.
Henry S. Guinness.
Andrew Jameson.
Sir J. Keane.
Marquess of Lansdowne.
The McGillycuddy.
James Moran.
Senator Douglas did not vote.
CHAIRMAN
The result of the voting is:—Senator Bennett—41; Senator Douglas—12. I declare Senator Bennett duly elected as Cathaoirleach.
took the Chair.
CATHAOIRLEACH
Before the House proceeds to elect the Leas-Chathaoirleach I would ask its indulgence to express my deep sense of the honour which has been conferred upon me and my indebtedness to the members of the different Parties who supported me. I wish only to add, with the fullest sense of the dignity of the office to which you have appointed me, that I shall always do my utmost to maintain the high traditions of the office, to act with the utmost impartiality towards all, to maintain the honour and the rights of this House and its good name. I hope that in these few words you will sense my feelings towards you. I am aware of the honour that has been paid to me. Speech on such an occasion would not convey what I feel, and I hope that you will allow me in the future to keep myself without speech and to act towards this House as you all desire that the Chair should act. I shall faithfully try to fulfil my duties with your assistance, and I am confident that I shall have it. I thank you all.