Before I read the Order of Business, on behalf of the House I congratulate you, a Cheann Comhairle, on reaching the fortieth anniversary of your election to this House. You have served this House well in your constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. You fought 12 elections before your election to the twenty-eighth Dáil and you now join the handful of people who, since the foundation of the State, have given such long service. Later this morning we will have an opportunity to celebrate with you but it is appropriate that the House now congratulate you on this wonderful personal achievement.
Election Anniversary.
On behalf of Fine Gael I congratulate you also, sir. It is a great achievement to be Ceann Comhairle of this House and to be Ceann Comhairle after such a distinguished career is a magnificent achievement. Many Members of this side of the House would be interested if you would patent and circulate the formula for how to survive for 40 years and win 12 elections. We might discuss that with you later at the informal occasion after the Order of Business.
On behalf of the Labour Party, to which you still belong – you are on temporary release at the moment – I can confirm to Deputy Noonan and other Deputies that rumours to the effect that you were nominated to contest elections following your confirmation, if not your first communion, while they are perfectly explicable having regard to your wonderful physical condition, are not entirely true. It is your steadfast loyalty to the ideals of labour and, more importantly, your incredible service to the constituents of Carlow-Kilkenny which have kept you here in this House. We are delighted, on your behalf, to celebrate your honour today.
My colleague, Deputy Sargent, would like to be here to congratulate you but in your wisdom of 40 years you have decided that was not to be. However, we do not hold that against you. We congratulate you and look forward to cordial relations with you in the future.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil leat as ucht 40 bliain a chaitheamh anseo and to say that when I realised one could spend 40 years as a TD I got tired and decided to get out. May you have many more years as Ceann Comhairle and as a Member for Carlow-Kilkenny.
I am moved by the words of congratulations and by the tributes paid to me. I thank every Member because I know the Members who spoke did so on behalf of all Members. I thank them for their tributes and kind remarks. I also thank my constituents of Carlow-Kilkenny for placing so much trust in me for so many years. I hope to see you all later. Thank you.