I believe this is the last question the Taoiseach will be asked on Leaders' Question in this Dáil-----

Keeping the best wine until last.

-----unless the wheels fall off Leo's and Simon's campaigns for leadership. One never knows, but the Taoiseach could be back in place the week after next. I first got to know the Taoiseach when I was elected to the Dáil in 2002. At the same time the Taoiseach had become leader of a demoralised Fine Gael Party, which had suffered severe losses and lost many big names in that general election. I am aware of the amount of energy and commitment he put into rebuilding the Fine Gael Party at that time, travelling the length and breadth of the country. The Taoiseach is a man of huge energy. I have seen that especially since he took on the role of Taoiseach. There were times when I wondered what kept him going at such a pace. However, as we all know, good things come to an end. I thank the Taoiseach for his friendship and support during his time in office. Every time I contacted him with an issue of concern he always reverted to me by either telephone call or text. I thank him for that.

However, as the Taoiseach leaves office, will he outline what he considers to be his greatest achievements? Also, what are his biggest regrets? Everybody in politics will have some regret when they retire. If the Taoiseach had an opportunity to turn back the clock, would he have appointed Deputy Simon Coveney or Deputy Leo Varadkar to the Cabinet or would he have got Deputy Noel Rock to give his great speech on three or four occasions on the nomination of Taoiseach? Of course, we cannot change the past and all Members of the House do what we believe is right for our country. Finally, will the Taoiseach outline what he considers to be the main challenges facing the man who will succeed him in office? What advice will he give the new Taoiseach?

You have an hour to respond.

That is quite a novel question for the day that is in it.

It will not be answered in three minutes.

How long do I have, a Cheann Comhairle?

Are you actually going to answer it?

Order, please.

I thank Deputy Grealish for his kind comments. I hope to see him in Pearse Stadium on Sunday week and I hope he will be as kind to me then when we take to the field. I have absolutely no regrets about having appointed Deputy Simon Coveney and Deputy Leo Varadkar as Ministers. They are two fine young men who have a real opportunity-----

You have about the rest of them.

They might not have been my supporters when my friend Richard took to the field some years ago. Be that as it may, I was happy to appoint them to Front Bench positions, to watch them grow as Ministers and to bring about a situation where they have actively and vigorously campaigned around the country for the last number of weeks for the right to lead this party. Whatever the decision of the Fine Gael electorate is, I hope that whoever is elected leader of the party will continue in government and will always make decisions in the interests of our people. Every decision it makes and every step the Government takes should be about the country and the people. I am sure that is deeply embedded in their political philosophy.

From my perspective, I have been a Member of the House for a long time. I have seen all the tensions and all the outbreaks of viciousness and sometimes fisticuffs when people were being either moved on after elections or shoved out the gate. I have always made it clear that instinct is important for politicians and, indeed, sports people. After 42 years in the House, 13 elections, 15 years as leader of a major party and six years as Taoiseach, I am happy to be in a position to transfer responsibility to a younger generation. That is important in all walks of life. As for advice, it is a little later than people think and there is no time to waste. When the new Government is appointed, in whatever structure that might be, it must get on with challenges we face of keeping our economy moving, dealing with child poverty and homelessness, the provision of employment and creating the infrastructure we spoke about for the people who will live in this country over the next 30 or 40 years.

As for regrets, I do not have any. Anybody who holds the position of Taoiseach had better have an optimistic and positive outlook. There is no point in going around looking like one is weighed down with the problems of the world.

Now lads, put that in your pipe and smoke it.

They existed before us and one must deal with them head-on and make the best decisions one can. I recall the Latin adage, illegitimi non carborundum. As Gaeilge one might say, ná lig dóibh cur isteach ort go mór, cibé rud a dhéanann tú.

I thank Deputy Grealish for his comments. I appreciate them.

How do I follow that? The Taoiseach has made history by being the longest serving Leader of Fine Gael and the first Taoiseach from Fine Gael to be re-elected. He is an avid GAA fan and I often see him at the matches in Pearse Stadium. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, and I put the fear of God into Simon and Leo a few weeks ago when we sent them a text message saying that the Taoiseach was going to announce the following morning that he would step down one week after Mayo wins the All-Ireland final. Denis was telling me poor Leo was crying in the corner, saying he will never get the job of Taoiseach. Given the Taoiseach's energy, wide expertise and knowledge he might get involved with the Mayo football team and bring the elusive Sam Maguire Cup back to Mayo, although not at the expense of Galway but perhaps at the expense of Cork or Kerry.

Finally, I wish the Taoiseach, Fionnuala and the family long life and happiness together. I am delighted to be able to call the Taoiseach a good friend and I wish him the best in the years ahead.

I appreciate the Deputy's comments. I will pass them on to somebody who is absolutely delighted.