Seanad debates

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Electoral (Amendment)(Political Funding) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

5:00 pm

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue as I was unsuccessful in my attempt to speak on two previous occasions because we ran out of time. I support this initiative and believe the recommendation of the committee for 30% representation is realistic and should be supported. We spoke about achieving a cultural change in Irish politics and this is as much about achieving that cultural change as it is about imposing quotas. If we move cautiously towards achieving success in this regard, that will, as Senator O'Keeffe said, breed further success. Seeing concrete examples of a successful initiative will surely encourage all the political parties and those involved to buy into this important initiative. Reluctantly therefore, I will be unable to support the amendment because moving cautiously and slowly towards achieving cultural change is more important for the longer term than an immediate and unsustainable short term success.

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