Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

I have not been at one of those for a while. Last night the Minister, Deputy Howlin, seemed to have a problem with the divergence of opinion on these benches as to what we should do with the Seanad. He criticised us for not thinking the same way. It is a strange notion that we should all behave like sheep or sing of the same hymn sheet even though we were elected as Independent Deputies. If the Deputies opposite want to agree on everything, that is their prerogative, but people should also be entitled to hold divergent views. I was delighted to hear the independent view set out by Deputy Eoghan Murphy in his contribution. Deputy Costello was not as keen on the idea.

See this speech in context