Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is my view and that of the Government that the fundamental issue that will be broached in this referendum campaign and the decision of the Irish people, is a first principles issue of whether, in our current state as a country and as a parliamentary democracy, we need a second House.

Senator Mullins made the point that when this view was first expressed by the Taoiseach when he was Leader of the Opposition, many people in our party were surprised by that announcement, it must be admitted. However, the key issue that I faced in my constituency as I went looking for votes in the general election was a complete disbelief among the Irish people that he and the Government would actually follow through on our commitments. This is a commitment that we, on behalf of the Irish people-----