Speech of the month

Jackie Healy-Rae speaking in the Dáil on 14 June on the nomination of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach and following the election of fellow South Kerry TD and constituency rival, John O'Donoghue as Ceann Comhairle.
Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae: I congratulate the Ceann Comhairle in a very special way.
(Interruptions).

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae: I congratulate him because I go back to when I directed elections for him in the early years. God knows, I played a leading role in sending him to this House in the first instance. I wish him many long and happy years in the seat in which he is now sitting.

Deputy Bernard J Durkan: Straight from the heart.

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae: I clearly state my support for Deputy Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. I have had a wonderful relationship with him since I was elected to this House in 1997. I look forward to backing this brand new Government comprising Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats Party and my fellow Independent Deputies. I thank in a very special way the massive team of supporters and people who put me into this position in South Kerry, against the might and the massive strength of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour.

An Ceann Comhairle: I thank the Deputy even more specially.

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae: Standing here this evening, I guarantee the Ceann Comhairle that if there is a bad pothole around Waterville, on Dursey Island in west County Cork or anywhere in Cahirciveen, I will do my very best.

(Interruptions).

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae: In the Ceann Comhairle's absence, I will do my best to sort them out and I will keep him well informed all the time.