Molaim don tSeanad:
Go dtoghfar an Seanadóir Seán O Guilidhe mar Chathaoirleach agus go racha sé i gceannas an tSeanaid anois.
Ní gádh dhom a ráadh cad tá déanta aige arson tíre agus teangan, go mór mhór ar son na teangan. Bhí sé ina Theachta Dála ar feadh roinnt mhaith bhlianta. Tá sé ina chomhalta de Chomhairle Chonntae Phortláirge le fada.
Tá sé ina Sheanadóir ó cuireadh an Seanad so ar bun, agus, mar is eól don chuid is mó dhíbh anso, duine anoiriúnach mar Chathaoirleach iseadh an Seanadóir O Guilidhe i ngach slighe.
After consideration, I have decided, for personal reasons, not to seek re-election to the Chair and I have asked my friends, on vácating the office of Cathaoirleach, to permit me to have the privilege of proposing the name of Senator Seán Goulding as my successor.
Senator Goulding, who has been a member of the Seanad since 1938, had previously served in the Dáil for a number of years, and has also been a member of the Waterford County Council and of other local bodies. He has, therefore, had long experience of public administration—an experience which, I think I can say, fits him in an especial manner for the Chair of this House. During the past five years he has, on occasion, presided over the deliberations of the House in relief periods to the Chair. There is no need, I think, to mention to the House his splendid record of service in the Irish-Ireland movement, as that service is already well known to his fellow-Senators. I, therefore, recommend the motion nominating Senator Seán Goulding as Cathaoirleach.
Before resuming my seat, I should like to take the opportunity—the first I have had of addressing the House on other than official matters—of expressing to those Senators with whom I have had the honour of working for the past five years my gratitude for the co-operation and kindness I have received from all members of the House during my occupancy of the Chair. That co-operation and kindness which I shall treasure in my remembrance has made my task a pleasant one indeed. May I also be permitted to express my thanks to the staff for their efficient and loyal service during my period of office. They did much to lighten the work which must at all times devolve upon the Chair.
I now formally propose that Senator Seán Goulding be elected and do take the Chair of the Seanad as Cathaoirleach.