John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but perhaps I will do so in advance of the next election. Over 100 people, whether it was those with illnesses and disabilities, their supporters or the volunteers accompanying them, were disenfranchised on both occasions because the two events coincided. Deputy Feighan made an interesting comment regarding the difference between local authorities. In that context, I am puzzled as to why people in Kilkenny who volunteer to work on the pilgrimage to which I refer are not designated in the same category as other workers and are not, therefore, entitled to a postal vote. No leeway has been granted in this regard in the past two general elections, which is wrong. It is for the reasons I have outlined that I believe postal voting should be extended.

I wish to reflect on some of the comments made by Deputy Cowen. I found it somewhat more than ironic when the Deputy, who is a member of Fianna Fáil, treated us to a lecture on political reform. There is no one from the party in the Chamber at present to respond to what I have to say but I will proceed in any event. Anyone with even a vague knowledge of Irish history, not just in the past 15 years but since the foundation of the State, will realise that Fianna Fáil's only significant effort at political reform was to try to abolish proportional representation. It tried to do this on two occasions and failed on both. There might be some merit in changing the system of proportional representation but Fianna Fáil wanted to introduce a first-past-the-post system for parliamentary elections such as those which exist in Britain and north of the Border. This was an attempt by that party to rig the system in order to ensure that it would remain in office in perpetuity. I am not prepared to listen to lectures on political reform from Deputy Cowen or anyone else in his party.

Deputy Cowen or someone from the Fianna Fáil press office may be watching these proceedings. If so, perhaps they might respond to what I am about to say. The Deputy made a very interesting comment and I am seeking to establish whether he made it in a personal capacity or as his party's spokesperson. He said the banking inquiry is now fatally flawed as a result of the Government adding two additional members to it. That is certainly not the impression being given by Fianna Fáil's representatives on the inquiry. We would all agree with the pious platitudes expressed by other members of that party to the effect that said inquiry should take place.

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