Deputy Michael Lowry backs rotating Taoiseach with Leo Varadkar taking over from Micheál Martin

"The uncertainty of the current times has informed my decision to support the transition of Government. It is with a great sense of satisfaction that I am here to participate in the notion of a rotating Taoiseach becoming a reality. Due to the unwavering loyalty of the people of Tipperary, I am here to endorse this historic event," said Deputy Michael Lowry in Dáil Éireann as the new Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, took over the role from Michéal Martin.

He recalled that, in 1994, the then Fianna Fail/Labour coalition collapsed. This month twenty-eight years ago, during negotiations for a new Government, he was sent on a mission by John Bruton. The objective was to find a solution to a key Labour demand for a rotating Taoiseach. Labour was in a strong position with 32 seats. They had the option of going back into Government under a new Fianna Fail leader.

"Fine Gael had lost the ‘87, ‘89 and ‘92 Election. The Party had lost political relevance. Therefore the opportunity to return to power had to be grasped. The compromise was the appointment of the first-ever Labour Minister for Finance, Ruairi Quinn. Incidentally, that time was also the first introduction of the High Chair at Cabinet, now known as a Super Junior.

"Once bitter rivals Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are now combining out of National interest and self-interest to rotate the position of Taoiseach and restructure a Cabinet. Sinn Fein can take comfort from the fact that change does happen, even if it takes a hundred years.

"Today’s event shows that all things are possible. Nothing is certain in politics," Deputy Lowry said.

He added: "There are a number of pessimists in this Chamber. They continually bark and bite. They rail against Government and the working of the institutions of the State. That approach gathers headlines but does nothing to achieve progress. I prefer to be fair. Give credit when it is due and objectively criticise failings.

Micheál Martin was congratulated by Deputy Lowry and praised for his work as Taoiseach

"It is my experience that a positive, constructive approach to politics yields results for my constituents. Our country and it’s people are once again facing dangerous times. This is an administration which has experience of dealing with difficult times. It’s first task was to deal with the worst health pandemic since the Spanish flu of 1918. This was followed by the worst energy crisis since the seventies and the first major European land war since 1945.

"The Coalition has had a difficult birth. It faced many challenges in a resolute and coolheaded fashion. Of course, it has got some things wrong. But, it has enough successes to merit the retention of the confidence of the membership of this House. "Our finances have been well managed and are in relatively good order. The Government has kept the lights on and businesses open. It has strived to look after those who need help. Our welfare system is one of the most generous in Europe.

"The majority of people want this Government to run its term before casting ultimate judgement at the ballot box. For now, people recognize the centre of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have held the country together. This is a stable team. It is not spectacular. But it is modestly effective.

"By contrast at this time, I do not see Sinn Fein dependent on People Before Profit as a coherent alternative. People Before Profit do not have the confidence of business. They do not have the confidence of rural Ireland. They do not have the confidence of those who work. A combination of Sinn Fein and the left are untried and untested.

"The next few years are going to be tough. We need an experienced team. This is not a time for experiments. This coalition has done some good work. There are many things it must do better. This Government needs to talk less and implement more. The tasks of Government are clear. People need homes and shelter. They need good hospitals and health care. They need schools, colleges and centres of educational excellence. In an increasingly modern economy and society they need good and affordable childcare. People need to feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.

Deputy Lowry added that the renewed administration also needs to find a better way to talk about climate change. The Green Party especially are going to have to learn to talk more respectfully to rural Ireland. There needs to be dialogue and action about climate change - not simply dictation and imposition, he said.

"I want to thank outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin for his accessibility and courtesy. I commend him on the job he has done in guiding the country through a difficult period. Micheál Martin has governed with honesty, collegiality and grit. His successor Leo Varadkar … has his own style. He has skill and ability. He is forthright and open to new ideas. He is not afraid to have an opinion and take a stance. I wish him every possible success in tackling the priority issues for this Government and the people of our country," Deputy Lowry concluded.