Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The referendum outcome underlines the importance of democracy in the country. People sometimes take for granted the views of the public, but we should never under-estimate its views or knowledge of our political institutions. The public indicated in its vote on Friday that it relished democracy, that it wanted more, not less, and that it wanted the Government and all institutions, including the Civil Service, to be held accountable.

The word "reflection" was mentioned. It might not be the right word. The word "reform" is also being used extensively, but we need to bring about change, not just to Seanad Éireann. There must not just be a knee-jerk reaction but change to the way in which politics is done in this country, from local council level through to Government level. That can only be done in a uniform manner. It must not be a knee-jerk reaction or amount to political populism, the course of action taken by the Taoiseach and certain elements of Fine Gael and the Labour Party. Sinn Féin then jumped on the bandwagon because the opinion polls were suggesting it was popular to do so.