Seanad Éireann debate -
Friday, 1 Jun 1973

Vol. 75 No. 1

Election of Cathaoirleach.

Mr. O'Higgins

I move:

That Senator Dooge be elected and do now take the Chair of the Seanad as Cathaoirleach.

I have pleasure in nominating Senator Dooge as Cathaoirleach. Senator Dooge has been a member of the Seanad since 1961. He has occupied the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach since 1965. I have no doubt that Members on both sides of the House who had the privilege of serving in the House when Senator Dooge was in the Chair will agree with me that Senator Dooge has shown himself to be eminently suited for the position of Cathaoirleach. All of us, on both sides of the House, who had experience of meeting in this House while he was in the Chair will agree that, in addition to his other qualities, he has demonstrated notwithstanding his own strong political convictions, his ability to be absolutely impartial.

Mixed with his other attributes for this position is the fact that he is a man who has shown that he has a sense of humour, which is often very useful in this particular post. Time and time again he has demonstrated his good sense as a Chairman. I have no doubt that Members on all sides of the House, whether they agree or disagree with the nomination I am making, will all agree with what I have said regarding Senator Dooge. He is a man of very great experience as Chairman. In addition to chairing this House of the Oireachtas on many occasions as Leas-Chathaoirleach, he has acted in that capacity elsewhere.

In his own particular profession he is a man of very particular eminence, frequently being sought abroad to lecture and to speak on his own particular subject.

On this first meeting of the Seanad it is only right that we should pay the tribute that is due to Senator Dooge by nominating him and electing him to the post of Cathaoirleach. In fact, it is merely a promotion for Senator Dooge, which most of us, regardless of our politics, would feel is very much overdue.

Mr. J. Fitzgerald

It gives me great pleasure to second the motion by Senator O'Higgins proposing Senator James Dooge as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.

As Senator O'Higgins has pointed out, Senator Dooge has occupied the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach since 1965. In his capacity as Leas-Chathaoirleach he has proved himself to be an excellent Chairman. Those of us who have been privileged to serve under Senator Dooge must agree with everything that Senator O'Higgins has said in proposing Senator Dooge. It therefore gives me great pleasure to second the proposition that Senator Dooge be elected Cathaoirleach to Seanad Éireann.

Mr. Lenihan

On behalf of the main Opposition group, I wish to say that I entirely agree with the commendations that have been made by both Senator O'Higgins and Senator Fitzgerald with regard to Senator Dooge's fitness for the position of Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.

As far as the Fianna Fáil Seanad group are concerned, there will be no opposition to this proposal. It accords with the tradition of the Oireachtas that there should be a sharing of positions of this kind. Yesterday, the people also displayed their view that there should be a sharing of power within the Oireachtas. We, therefore, are not opposing this proposal. It is our view that it is in accordance with the parliamentary convention of sharing power in regard to an office of this kind. As I have already said in regard to the people's wishes expressed yesterday, there should be an equal balance of appreciation in regard to the selection of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. We, therefore, intend to put forward a nominee for that post.

Professor Quinlan

I have great pleasure in being associated with the proposal to elect Senator Dooge an Cathaoirleach and to be associated with all the tributes that have been paid to him.

In the past at all times we have had an excellent Chairman in the Seanad and we have had excellent relations. Senator Dooge can be relied on to carry on this tradition. The Seanad, in practice, has usually been a very mildly political body and has a great contribution to make.

Senator Dooge has at all times been in the forefront in trying to get the Seanad utilised to the fullness of its capabilities. We hope that in his term as Cathaoirleach we will see much greater use being made of Seanad Éireann than has been made in the past. We hope that this will fit in with the effort to adapt our parliamentary institutions to become the watchdog of our democracy in the EEC context. Therefore, it is great pleasure to feel that we have a man of Senator's Dooge's calibre, experience and broad-mindness to pilot us in this. It is especially heartening to hear the words of the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Lenihan, who also endorsed Senator Dooge's appointment. It is a happy augury for the future and I look forward to facing squarely what is the real issue in Seanad Éireann—reform or abolish. I hope it will be seen at the end of this period that the solution will not be to abolish Seanad Éireann. It is indispensable to Irish democracy in the context of the European Economic Community.

I have great pleasure in being associated with the nomination of Senator Dooge who was a former colleague of mine in Cork.

Question put and declared carried.

Whereupon Senators rose in their places and remained standing while the Cathaoirleach proceeded to the Dais.

An Cathaoirleach

A chomh-Sheanadóirí, tá mé thar a beith buíoch díobh as ucht mé a thoghadh mar Chathaoirleach ar an Seanaid. Ar ocáid mar seo is deacair labhairt gan tagairt a dhéanamh do Chothrom na Féinne agus ina dhiaidh sin bheith ag léimrigh ó cliché go cliché. Accordingly, I do not intend to say much. Those who were my colleagues previously know what to expect from me. To those who are new to the Seanad, I hope that I can be of assistance to them in initiating them into the traditions and workings of this House. To all of you, thank you for your confidence.