THE TAOISEACH TURNOUT

Folks, the results are already clear despite there being just under 16 hours left of the Taoiseach nominee voting period. It was undeniably clear that the Super Socialist Party and their coalition members would have an overwhelmingly successful turnout as a result of their political gameplay. I must now congratulate them on their turnout for the Taoiseach nominations, and I do hope that Mr Ronan Vale is prepared for the high expectations that both the Irish people and I myself as Leader of the Opposition hold for an individual responsible for the overall running of a great nation like Ireland. Whilst Fianna Fáil was hoping to be the party in Government without the need for a coalition, this could not be achieved on this occasion. What we did achieve, however, was 68 seats in Dáil Éireann, making us by far the largest single party without the need for a coalition. I must now thank members of my party who are responsible for my nomination as Chair. Fianna Fáil will take the spotlight.