Simon Harris

You can do what you want, but you can be a little more mature in relation to this.

This Government has taken a number of actions on behalf of the Irish people. I am proud of the approach Ireland has taken. I believe Irish people are proud of the approach we have taken. We are on the right side of history in this country. The Palestinian people and the President of the Palestinian National Authority know that too. One day, the Deputy might also acknowledge the positive efforts of…

I genuinely did.

Fine Gael will be supporting the nomination of Deputy Micheál Martin as Taoiseach. I will begin with some words of sincere congratulations to Deputy Martin as he returns to the office of Taoiseach. I know it is really special day for you Micheál, and for Mary, Micheál Aodh, Aoibhe and Cillian, for your siblings, your wider family and for your team, and all the people behind you who worked so hard …

-----in this Government and making progress for our people in each of the next five years. There will be more of that later, but for now, I wish Micheál well. I look forward to working in partnership with him in this Government. I am excited, energised and determined about the time ahead for the country we love.

I congratulate the Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, on his election and appointment as Taoiseach of our country and Government. I congratulate all colleagues in Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independents who are assuming ministerial office today and others who will assume ministerial office in the days to come. I very much look forward to working together in partnership for the next five years. We h…

You lost again.

Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle. I will start by congratulating you on your election. It is a great honour to serve as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, as the Speaker of our Parliament and as custodian of this House. I know you will serve with diligence, impartiality and decency. I think we know you are from Wexford from those opening contributions, and I know that is very important to you…

It is not lost on any of us that Deputy Murphy makes history today by becoming the first female Ceann Comhairle. That is a long-awaited milestone moment in Irish politics. I sincerely wish you all the best as you discharge your duties. Colleagues, as we gather here today, I want to pay tribute to each of you for securing the support of your families, friends, neighbours and constituents and for s…

I agreed with the Clerk earlier that I rolled my contribution into one.

They just think you should do three.