Rónán Mullen (Independent)

There is an Irish variant of a certain mental condition where people forget everything except the grudges.

I disagree with Senator Bradford in one respect. He seeks to contrast public funding of parties and individuals on the one hand and private or corporate donations on the other hand. He is wrong in lumping in private and corporate donations. Notwithstanding what Senator Hayden has said, it is appropriate, provided there is transparency, that people put their hands into their own pockets and support individuals and causes in which they believe. That should be encouraged, although subject to certain limits as it is. I have not argued here today for unlimited private donation or the possibility of unlimited private donations. Private donations of that kind are a horse of a different colour from corporate donations.

Senator Hayden mentioned the Women's Political Association. There are many fine causes. I presume she is talking about a situation where the association might want to donate money to female candidates.