Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jul 1979

Vol. 92 No. 14

Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Mr. Cooney

I move:

That Senator Charles McDonald be elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach.

In moving this motion I draw the attention of the House to Senator McDonald's experience as a parliamentarian. He was elected first to the Oireachtas in 1961 and has served continuously as a Member of either House since then. In addition, Senator McDonald was a member of the European Parliament between 1973 and this year. That wealth of experience makes him admirably qualified to act as Leas-Chathaoirleach of this House and accordingly I propose his name with confidence and pleasure.

Mr. Howard

I wish to second that proposal.

Mrs. Robinson

On behalf of the Labour group I support the proposal that Senator McDonald be the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad. As Senator Cooney said, he has had a very distinguished career in this House, the other House and also in the European Parliament. Senator McDonald will be an excellent Leas-Chathaoirleach and we look forward to his election to the post and to his period in office.

Dr. West

I second that.

Question put and agreed to.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Is mian liom mo bhuíochas a ghlacadh libh as ucht na honóire seo atá tar éis a bhronnadh orm agus mé a thoghadh mar Leas-Chathaoirleach ar Seanad Éireann. Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall cothram na Féinne a thabhairt do gach éinne agus guím nach mbeidh an onóir seo ró-throm orm.

I thank the House quite sincerely for the very great honour they have bestowed upon me in appointing me as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I hope the honour and privilege will not weigh too heavily on me and that my sense of fair play will be equal to the demand that may be placed upon it and that my qualifications for the task will be adequate. I am conscious of the very distinguished colleagues whom I have the honour of succeeding and I ask for the co-operation of the House in ensuring that business will be expedited in the best possible manner.