Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Labour Party were filibustering for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before this debate started. From listening to Ministers and Deputies from all parties who are on the ground there is no hint or undertone of racism in the local elections, so far. To suggest, as many Members are suggesting, that the proposal before the House is in some way influencing the people in a material way in these local elections is completely without foundation.

What I have learned in my few short months in this House, and Deputy Durkan has been a Member for a much longer period, is that every time the Opposition is losing the argument, it simply will not listen to anybody else with a contrary point of view.

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