Politics

Thoughts of new TDs on their first day in the Dáil

Leinster House ‘feels much smaller than it looks on the television,’ says Bríd Smith

TDs sat to elect a Ceann Comhairle and Taoiseach for the 32nd Dáil. But first day nerves and the challenges ahead were foremost on their minds.
Sarah Bardon
Thu Mar 10 2016 - 20:23

Maria Bailey, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire:

“It is surreal and extremely humbling to be here. I still can’t really believe it but it feels like a home from home.

“It is like the council on a bigger level. But it is a great honour to be here. My parents, my husband and mother-in-law are here with me.”

Newly elected Fianna Fáil TDs Lisa Chambers and Jack Chambers on the plinth ahead of the first meeting of the 32nd Dáil at Leinster House. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
Newly elected Fianna Fáil TDs Lisa Chambers and Jack Chambers on the plinth ahead of the first meeting of the 32nd Dáil at Leinster House. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.

Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal:

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“I am surprised at the level of haranguing and harassment that goes on in the chamber. Today is a bit unreal.

“I am not going to bring my mam, dad, husband and daughter to work every day. But it is a great day and my daughter is so proud of me.

“I can already see scope for where I can make a contribution.”

Jack Chambers, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West:

“It is a very changed Dáil. I am looking at a full Fianna Fail bench and it is nice to see the level of representation for Fianna Fail.

“It is a great honour. I am the youngest TD in the Dáil, I am the eldest in my family but the youngest TD in Leinster House. It has been a great day and I am thrilled to be here.”

Bríd Smith, Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central:

“To remark on this place, it feels much smaller than it looks on the television, I have to say. Maybe it is because there are lots of people in the seats but it does feel a good deal smaller than the image that is portrayed.

"However, I feel quite tall in being here, first, in representing the people that elected us and, second, in nominating Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (for taoiseach.)"