Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Not agreed. I propose that we postpone this section and allow for more urgent and meaningful debates on issues that are pressing down on people, for example, health, the Luas dispute, NAMA and Moore Street. Today's vote, if it goes ahead, will be inconclusive. We should ask those who want to be nominated to go off and discuss policy matters which we understand they have not yet discussed. The Dáil has met only four times in seven weeks. There are major issues affecting citizens, from homelessness to child poverty, health, water charges and industrial agreements, that we should be usefully discussing. I propose that we allow these discussions to proceed and that we put off the election until there is a proposition that can be conclusive.

See this speech in context