Healy-Rae Hooley as new-look Dáil meets
A TD’s first day in Leinster House is always a memorable occasion, but newly minted Kerry FF TD Norma Foley will have more reason than most to look back fondly on her Dáil debut.
Deputy Foley was among several new TDs to make their maiden speech when the 33rd Dáil met for the first time last Thursday.
The Tralee TD’s maiden speech was more significant than most given that her introduction to Dáil debate also saw her chosen to nominate her party leader Micheál Martin for Taoiseach.
Her selection suggests the new Kerry TD – whose father, Denis, was a Fianna Fáil TD and Senator for 18 years – is clearly held in high esteem among the senior ranks of Fianna Fáil.
“I am new to this Chamber, but I recognise that the reality of the General Election and the diverse nature of the House may mean that no Taoiseach will be elected today,” she said.
“However, this is an important moment for each Member to signal how we propose to use our mandate and how a new Government should be led. The objectives of Fianna Fáil are clear, and its intentions are unambiguous. On its behalf, I am proud beyond measure to nominate Deputy Micheál Martin as Taoiseach,” said Deputy Foley as she introduced a lengthy speech extolling Mr Martin’s virtues.
Of course, Deputy Foley wasn’t Kerry’s only Dáil debutant last week. Sinn Féin’s Pa Daly – accompanied by many family members and friends – was among the 17 new Sinn Féin TDs joing the Dáil ranks on what was an historic day for Mary Lou McDonald’s party.
There was also room for some tradition, or at least what is fast becoming a tradition on a new Dáil’s opening day.
As in 2016, Michael and Danny Healy-Rae were accompanied by scores of supporters when they arrived on Kildare Street once again, holding a hooley before heading across the road to start work.