Marian Harkin praises first woman Cancola, outlines priorities
Marian Harkin marked the historic election of the first woman Cancola and nominated Verona Murphy, praising her competence based on prior meetings in Brussels. She thanked the people of Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal for electing her and set out a list of priorities she expects any new government to address, including housing, health, childcare and climate change.
Marian Harkin noted the House had elected the first woman Cancola, linking the moment to the election of the first Cancola on January 21st 1919. She said she was pleased to nominate Verona Murphy for the role and recognised the work of the previous Cancola Sean O'Farrill.
Harkin recalled knowing Verona Murphy from her time as an MEP and meeting her regularly when Murphy represented the road hauliers association in Brussels. She emphasised Murphy's knowledge, competence and precision and said those qualities would serve the Cancola well.
Harkin told members the Irish people had set a clear agenda: housing, health, child care, elder care, disability, immigration, child poverty, regional disparities, climate change, carers and public sector reform. She said the electorate's verdict was decisive, and insisted it is the responsibility of elected representatives to implement the will of the people.
Harkin stressed that any mandate is conditional and that elected members have a duty to serve and listen to the electorate. She said she will be guided by that message in her work with colleagues in the regional independent group and urged focus on delivering results.
She closed by thanking her constituents in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal, wishing colleagues a happy Christmas and expressing hope that 2025 will bring good government and good outcomes for the Irish people.
Historic election and nomination
Marian Harkin noted the House had elected the first woman Cancola, linking the moment to the election of the first Cancola on January 21st 1919. She said she was pleased to nominate Verona Murphy for the role and recognised the work of the previous Cancola Sean O'Farrill.
Experience of Verona Murphy
Harkin recalled knowing Verona Murphy from her time as an MEP and meeting her regularly when Murphy represented the road hauliers association in Brussels. She emphasised Murphy's knowledge, competence and precision and said those qualities would serve the Cancola well.
Expectations for the new government
Harkin told members the Irish people had set a clear agenda: housing, health, child care, elder care, disability, immigration, child poverty, regional disparities, climate change, carers and public sector reform. She said the electorate's verdict was decisive, and insisted it is the responsibility of elected representatives to implement the will of the people.
Mandate, duty and regional representation
Harkin stressed that any mandate is conditional and that elected members have a duty to serve and listen to the electorate. She said she will be guided by that message in her work with colleagues in the regional independent group and urged focus on delivering results.
Seasonal remarks and outlook
She closed by thanking her constituents in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal, wishing colleagues a happy Christmas and expressing hope that 2025 will bring good government and good outcomes for the Irish people.
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Transcript
Cancola and first of all can I along with others mark this historic day as we in this house have elected the first woman Cancola who follows in the footsteps of Cahalbrua our first Cancola elected on January 21st 1919 just over 105 years ago. I was very pleased to nominate Verona for the role of Cancola as I was to nominate Catherine Connolly as last Cancola five years ago because of their competence their diligence and their suitability for this important role and in this context I want to recognise the sterling work of our previous Cancola Sean O'Farrill. I also want to say that I knew Verona Murphy in a previous role when I was an MEP. I met Verona on a regular basis when she represented the road hauliers association in Brussels because much of the legislation impacting on road hauliers is decided at European level and what impressed me about Verona at that time was her knowledge competence and precision. I value those qualities and I believe they will serve her well in her role as Cancola. In my final minute I want to thank the people of Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal for electing me as one of their TDs and I want to make a brief comment about what lies ahead for whatever new government is formed. The Irish people I believe said to us there is a major job of work to be done in regard to housing, health, child care, elder care, disability, immigration, child poverty, regional disparities, climate change, cares and public sector reform and we expect you to get on with it. The people have spoken, there is no second guessing, the numbers are in and there is no argument with the outcome and it is our responsibility to implement the will of the people. But like any mandate it is conditional and it is our duty as elected members to serve the people. It is a huge challenge for all of us but it is a noble one and every one of us in this House has a responsibility to listen to what we have been told by the electorate. I for one have listened very carefully to that message and it will guide my actions along with my colleagues in the regional independent group. Can I wish all of you a happy Christmas and I hope 2025 will bring about good government and good outcomes for the Irish people. Thank you Deputy. Now Deputy Paddan Torby.