Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach
Seanad Éireann — 2020-09-18
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David P.B. Norris (IND), University of Dublin

I echo the Members who have said we were lucky in this House to have two such talented candidates for this office. I have known Senator Warfield for some years and have been very impressed by his meticulous attention to detail in discussions with Government and so on. On a number of occasions on which I have visited Government offices with him, he has given very commanding performances.
I am interested that so many Senators have today admitted that they come from County Cavan. I must say I have no such distinction. My roots are firmly in County Laois, which, as Senators will know, is the greatest of all of our 32 counties. I have known Senator Joe O'Reilly for many years and have the greatest respect and affection for him. He is a man of great decency and integrity and we have been privileged to listen to his contributions in this House over many years. The only negative or sad thing I can say is that it is such a pity that Senator O'Reilly's family cannot be here with him today because of Covid. I expect they are watching proceedings on the twiddly-diddly, the thingamajig, and I am sure they are rejoicing with him and us today.
This is a good day for Seanad Éireann. It is also rather good that there was such cross-party support for Senator O'Reilly. Hearing such an informed and positive contribution from Senator Wilson of Fianna Fáil about a Member from Fine Gael is how the Seanad should go. Well done to all involved.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2020-09-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:48:34+00:00
Sitting date: 2020-09-18