Senator Paddy Burke Elected Cathaoirleach To 24th Seanad

Senator Paddy Burke has been elected unopposed to the position of Cathaoirleach of the 24th Seanad. He assumes the position from outgoing Senator, Pat Moylan.

Accepting the role, Senator Burke said: “It is a great honour to have been elected as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and I would like to thank my fellow Senators for the privilege they have conferred on me. Whatever the future holds for this house, it is now incumbent upon us as Senators in the 24th Seanad to demonstrate how it can contribute in a meaningful way to the democratic life of the State, meet and overcome the sizeable challenges we face, play a part in the regeneration of our country and thereby help to improve the lives of all our citizens.”

He continued: “We are living in a time of great change, both nationally and globally. The ability to embrace change, to welcome new opportunities, to accept openness and new ways of doing things are the hallmarks of successful and dynamic nations. As a nation, we have demonstrated our ability to meet and overcome any trials and tests we have faced, to change and to transform and to embrace openness and to demonstrate our natural hospitality.”

Discussing the recent historic state visits, Senator Burke added: “Only last week we witnessed the successful visit of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II which demonstrated a new maturity in our relationship with our nearest neighbour. The visit on Monday by U.S. President Barack Obama was also an historic occasion which re-inforced our bonds of friendship with the United States. These successful visits demonstrated our standing in the world and that our international reputation remains strong, but we should not be complacent.”

The Senator also addressed the role of the Seanad. He said: “The Seanad has an important role to play in Irish politics and I am keen that the 24th Seanad will form an effective and relevant part of the Oireachtas alongside the President, Dáil Éireann and the Oireachtas Committees. My priority as Cathaoirleach will be to ensure that there is a positive public perception of the Seanad and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessors and the other distinguished holders of this Office. I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards they have set and will maintain the excellent record of impartiality and fairness which has been the hallmark of Cathaoirligh of Seanad Éireann.”

(BMcN/GK)