Seanad Éireann debate -
Friday, 13 Sep 2002

Vol. 170 No. 2

Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Mr. Higgins:

I move: "That Senator Paddy Burke be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach."

Tugann sé an-phléisiúr dom ainm an Sheanadóra Pádraig de Búrca a mholadh mar Leas-Chathaoirleach do Sheanad Éireann. Tá saol fada agus a lán cleachtadh aige mar pholaiteoir. Toghadh don chéad uair é do Chomhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo i 1979. Tá sé ina bhall den chomhairle ón data sin. Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé ina bhall den chomhairle áitiúl i gCaisleán an Bharra agus 'sé seo an triú uair dó sa tSeanad. It gives me great pleasure to propose Senator Paddy Burke for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad.

Mr. Finucane:

I second the motion.

Ms O'Rourke:

This side of the House agrees with enthusiasm to the appointment of Senator Burke as Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Mr. Ross:

The Independent group supports Senator Burke for appointment to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I am honoured and privileged to speak in his favour. He is a person who has for many years upheld the honour and dignity of this House in his position in Fine Gael. Indeed, I served under him during a very unhappy period.

Mr. Finucane:

Unhappy for Fine Gael, the Senator means.

Mr. Ross:

He was one of the few who rescued and comforted me in my despair during that short period of my life. Apart from that, his contribution to this House has been dignified. Looking around, Senator Burke is probably one of the few Members who could have got this job as there are not too many Members who were here in the last session. Senator Burke has great experience of this House and I welcome his elevation to this position.

Ms O'Meara:

The Labour Party is happy to support the nomination of Senator Paddy Burke for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. In working with Senator Burke, in the last Seanad in particular, I have always found him to be fair and honourable. I am sure that he will continue to exercise those qualities in the post of Leas-Chathaoirleach. On the Seanad trail in Connacht and other parts of the country, it was quite clear that Senator Burke was one of the more popular members of his political grouping. I wish him the very best and, though I am sure we will have some arguments, my party will try to behave itself when he is in the Chair.

Question put and agreed to.

An Cathaoirleach:

I declare Senator Paddy Burke elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

I thank my party leader, Deputy Enda Kenny, for nominating me to stand as a candidate for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I thank my proposer, my colleague from Mayo, Senator Jim Higgins, and my seconder, Senator Finucane. I also thank all of the groupings in the House for their unanimous support for my appointment as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.

I wish the Cathaoirleach well and congratulate him on his appointment. I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job and his long experience in this House and in the GAA will help him. I have no doubt that it helped him in recent months and it will certainly help him over his term of office. Senator Kiely will be an excellent Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. In co-operation with the Cathaoirleach and the staff of the House, I hope to carry out my duties as Leas-Chathaoirleach in an impartial and fair manner on behalf of all Members of the House.

An Cathaoirleach:

We now move on to No. 2, Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002, Second Stage (Resumed).

Ms O'Rourke:

I apologise for intervening again. Many Members have asked me how we intend to proceed with today's business. The Seanad has an enviable record of not applying guillotines to legislation and I respect that very much. I am also aware that there was a high standard of debate yesterday which has been commented on by all sides and from way beyond this House. Members from all sides have added great lustre to themselves with the way the debate was structured and carried out. I hope the Whips will monitor business until we see how it is proceeding.