Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The Opposition is correct that changes in the electoral system are best when they are based on political consensus. However, it has demonstrated how it will withdraw that consensus for short-term tactical advantage. This was not always the case.

When the Dáil first passed the enabling legislation for this improved system, many Opposition Deputies said that the Government was not going far enough in that a move to Internet voting should be examined too. In the midst of this diversionary fog thrown up by the Opposition, some basic points must be made clear. The introduction of the system has not been rushed. Instead, it has taken place in easy steps over a number of years. The system has been independently verified as safe and reliable.

See this speech in context