Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Therein lies the crux that we all face as elected representative in this House. The political process has failed the people. That is what they believe. They believe we have let them down, that, in particular, Fianna Fáil in government has let them down. They also believe the Government is bereft of leadership and cannot be trusted. As such, they do not have confidence in the main Government party. We have had numerous reports on Seanad reform and numerous pseudo attempts to change the way we do business, but nothing has happened.

Politics must not be about perception, perks, the Mercedes or the pursuit of personal power or gain. It must be about advocacy and making laws on behalf of the people to create a better Ireland. That is our fundamental task.

Where is the reform that was promised? I did not agree with Deputy Kenny's suggestion to abolish the Seanad but I acknowledge he had the courage and ability to say we should get rid of it. Senator O'Toole stated the ordinary people regard this House as irrelevant. If a referendum were held tomorrow morning, the majority of people would vote against the retention of the Seanad. Senator Leyden should note that, this week and last week, we did not deal with one Government-sponsored Bill.