I move: That Senator Liam T. Cosgrave be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach.
As I said on the Order of Business, all Members appreciate the continuation of the long-standing tradition that the two major constitutional offices of this House are shared between the Government and Opposition.
I have great pleasure in moving this motion. Members of the last Seanad will not be surprised that Senator Cosgrave was the choice of our group. He was a first class Cathaoirleach who inherited the office under tragic circumstances at a very difficult time for all Members. As Cathaoirleach he was fair, approachable, in possession of a sense of humour and available to all Members. Most of all, he has an understanding of politics and is perceived as being fair by all Members. We will be very lucky if Senator Cosgrave is elected Leas-Chathaoirleach because we will have in him and the Cathaoirleach two people who are utterly respected by both sides of the House and who are first-class ambassadors for this House. It gives me great pleasure to propose Senator Cosgrave as Leas-Chathaoirleach.