The next business on the Order Paper is the election of a Cathaoirleach for the coming term. I now call on Senator Dr. O'Sullivan to move.
Election of Cathaoirleach.
Chairman
I beg to propose:—"That Senator T. Westropp Bennett be elected and do now take the Chair of the Seanad as Cathaoirleach." Senator Westropp Bennett has been our Cathaoirleach for the past three years, and he has done remarkably well. He has held the scales very evenly between all Parties. In fact, he belongs to no party. To my mind he is an ideal Chairman, and I beg to propose his re-election for the coming three years.
I beg to second the motion that has been moved by Senator Dr. O'Sullivan.
Chairman
As there is no other motion before the House, I now put the question:—"That Senator T. Westropp Bennett be elected and do now take the Chair as Cathaoirleach."
Question put and declared carried unanimously.
Chairman
I now call on Senator T. Westropp Bennett to come forward and take the Chair.
[The Chair was then taken by the Cathaoirleach.]
Cathaoirleach
Senators, need I say that a moment such as this fills one with many kind thoughts—that one has been selected to preside over an Assembly such as this for a second time? One cannot presume that there are qualities in oneself that fit one for such a position, but yet one can feel that a body which is practically the same as we had here for the last three years will give the same assistance to me in the future that it has accorded to me in the past. Senator Dr. O'Sullivan, in proposing me, said that I was of no Party. I could be of no Party because we have here in this Assembly men of diverse Parties, all working for the one object: the preservation and dignity of this Seanad, to ensure that the Seanad will fulfil the object for which it was elected under our Constitution, that is, to give a reasoned consideration to all matters that come before us from the Dáil and to make amendment, where necessary, in the Bills that are sent before us. We have loyally done that duty in the past. I feel that with your help that shall also be done in the future. I thank you all sincerely. Words fail me, but from my heart I thank you and assure you that I shall try to do my duty.