Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I am surprised at the Minister because Fianna Fáil are masters in this area. Canvassers will be asked many searching questions on the doorsteps about the Government's stewardship of the economy for the past two or three years. There is a significant gap between the rich and the poor in this country. The Minister thought the best way to camouflage the problems was to introduce an issue which would dominate the airwaves. He wanted to ensure an intellectual debate. I do not know if he is right or wrong, but the people know what is going on. They want to do the right thing. Citizenship is an extremely important treasure for people throughout the world and it is no different here. However, the Minister and the Government are cynical about this issue. They do not want to discuss the problems in local government, the health service and elsewhere which are thrashed out here on a daily basis. They hope to win the support of the electorate on this issue. It is a cynical exercise. I hope the people decide for themselves the real reason for this amendment.

I know there is a problem in this area, but I do not understand why a referendum could not be held next October, irrespective of whether there is a presidential election. What is the difference between a presidential and a local government election? Why could they not be held on the same day? I do not understand that. We may not have a presidential election. How many times have we held a referendum on its own? I remember a number of them over the years. If it is as important as the Minister believes, why could we not have a good day out next October?

See this speech in context