Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have motions before this House, one of which concerns the crisis in the health service. It is not an issue for many who would rather talk about how they will divvy up the positions and all the rest. Let us deal with the real issues. If we are really genuine about this, we should not only establish a committee on Dáil reform but also committees to deal with homelessness and the 511 people on hospital trolleys. That is what the public demand of us and that is why I will not support Deputy Kenny as Taoiseach.

I welcome the maiden speech by Deputy Lisa Chambers, as I welcome all new TDs to this House. She spoke of Deputy Martin as being the champion of political reform. Let me remind Deputy Chambers, however, that when I made my maiden speech after winning a by-election in 2010 it only happened because I had to take Deputy Martin and his colleagues to court. He sat on the Government side of the House and voted not once or twice, but on three occasions to deny the people of Donegal South-West for over 18 months the most precious right to cast their vote to elect a TD. Now we have champions of political reform but I do not trust them.

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