Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Cowley accused the members of the commission, who do not have a voice in this House, of political gerrymandering. I have a responsibility to protect those people and I will do so.

Having said all that, I do not see that it is our role, on this side of the House, to defend the recommendations of the commission without equivocation. Naturally, Deputies will have feelings about different constituencies and that is to be accepted. Almost every Deputy that contributed to the debate mentioned the situation in County Leitrim. I am aware of the feeling generated in the county by that issue. I am aware of the implications of this for my colleague, Deputy Ellis.

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