Verona Murphy thanked the people of Wexford and colleagues after her election and announced her candidacy for the office of Count Córle. She pledged to uphold impartiality, pursue procedural reform to make the Dáil more relevant to voters, and to execute the office without fear or favour.
Election and acknowledgements
She thanked the clerk and the people of Wexford for putting their trust in her, and thanked colleagues in the regional group for nominating her for Count Córle. She paid tribute to the outgoing Count Córle for guidance since 2016, congratulated all elected members of the 34th Dáil, and reflected on the competitive nature of multi-seat constituency contests.
Principles for the Chair
She emphasised that every member is equal regardless of political persuasion or grouping and said she would uphold simple principles of fairness and impartiality if elected as Count Córle. She argued the House must function smoothly and efficiently so members can represent the fears, concerns and aspirations of their constituents.
Turnout and public engagement
She highlighted concerns about falling turnout, noting that in many constituencies participation dropped below 50% and that large numbers feel alienated from the political process. She called on members to change the perception that the Dáil is a "talking shop" and proposed engaging colleagues to explore reforms to parliamentary business so ordinary people feel their voices are heard.
Experience in the Chair
She set out her experience serving as sub-Chair and deputising for the Count Córle, saying she carried out those duties with respect and impartiality. She described her time in the Chair as generally incident-free, aside from one occasion when "a certain Kerry T.D." serenaded her with a poor rendition of a Cork song, and noted at least his phone was turned off.
Symbolism and closing
She said electing her as the first female Count Córle in the State would signify a diverse, inclusive and forward-looking 34th Dáil. She closed by reiterating her pledge to execute the office without fear or favour and ended with a Gaelic phrase recorded in her remarks.
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I wish to thank the clerk. I wish to thank the people of Wexford who once again have put their trust in me to represent them. It is an honour and a privilege to do so. I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the regional group for the confidence they have placed in me, nominating me for the position of Count Córle. I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Count Córle in particular for the kindness and guidance he has shown to me and many other members since his election in 2016. Whatever the outcome of this election, I wish my fellow candidates well. Whoever is elected will have a challenging role. I congratulate all of you, the elected members of this 34th Dáil, on your successful election. The multi-seat constituency electoral dynamic tends to incite an unhealthy competition among colleagues within constituencies, leaving most battle-scarred. Former Wexford politician Avril Doyle once described politics as the last blood sport. From speaking to the members in the last week, it would appear to be a very appropriate description. For those of us who were successful and elected, the wounds will heal quickly. For those unsuccessful candidates who put their names forward and did not succeed, the scars may linger. Either way, they are to be commended for allowing their names to go forward. Chambers such as these are the lifeblood of a functioning democracy. Having succeeded in being elected, we are now the voice of our communities in this forum. We come into the House to make known the fears, concerns and aspirations of our constituents and to legislate accordingly. We communicate on their behalf the policies that they want addressed. In putting forward the views of our constituents, we make known the needs of the people to those who govern. In order to ensure that every member is heard, this House must function smoothly and efficiently. Every member is equal, irrespective of their political persuasion, political party or grouping. Every member has a mandate, and no one mandate is more important than the other. If elected as Count Corle, I will uphold these simple principles. Much debate has been heard around the turnout in the recent election. In many constituencies, the turnout dropped below 50%. Large numbers of people in the electorate feel alienated from the political process. They feel politicians are removed from the reality of day-to-day life. They feel that this chamber is a talking shop that achieves nothing. It is incumbent on all of us to change that perception. To make the House more relevant to those that feel excluded. If elected, I want to engage with all members to explore the options available to us to reform the way we conduct our business so that ordinary people feel their voices are being heard. The constituents who elected us have a right to see a fair and transparent democracy in action. Every time they observe our parliamentary debates and legislative work. In the last Dáil, I have served as sub-Chair and have deputised for the Count Corle and in that regard, I believe I carried out my duties with respect and impartiality. Generally, my time in the Chair passed without incident, with the exception of the day that a certain Kerry T.D. decided to serenade me with a poor rendition of a cork song. At least his phone was turned off. Either way, I believe that this experience has prepared me for the position. Finally, if you choose to elect me as the first female Count Corle in the State, it will signify a very diverse, inclusive and forward-looking 34th Dáil. If elected, I will execute the office of Count Corle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour. Go raibh ma'cha gota goivh eich hakti.
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