Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Brady for giving me a minute of his time. I have never sent out any ties or DVDs, put anyone up in a hotel or bought dinner for people. Being from Cavan, naturally I would not do such things anyway. I compliment Senator Cummins on bringing forward this Bill, which I support in principle. I am the Government Chief Whip, however, so I must oppose it.

As a former member of the General Council of County Councils, now the Association of County and City Councils, ACCC, I saw at first hand the excellent work representative bodies for councillors do on behalf of councillors and councils. That is true of the Local Authority Members' Association. Speaking as someone who is a member of the panel to which Senator Cummins's Bill is trying to add a candidate, I should state that I have no difficulty with the proposal. The panel is entitled to nominate a person to go forward for the Seanad election on the administrative panel and I very much welcome that challenge. It might take a few votes away from some of my colleagues on that panel. In principle I have no difficulty with it.

A number of comments have been made by Senator Doherty and I do not agree that there is something rotten at the core of the Seanad. It does excellent work and is full of well-meaning, decent and honourable people who have been democratically elected. I agree that the Seanad needs reform as soon as possible but it has a role to play in our democracy and democratic system. I want to see it remaining, although reformed as soon as possible. I compliment Senator Cummins on putting forward this Bill.