Results 4,401-4,420 of 5,046 for speaker:Paschal Mooney

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (1 Jul 2005)

Paschal Mooney: There is a precedent for this.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2005)

Paschal Mooney: Those of us who were privileged to be in the Mansion House, including our colleagues on the Forum on Europe and other interested individuals, could not but have been uplifted by the inspiring, visionary speech by the European Commission President. In the words of our distinguished colleague and chairman, Senator Maurice Hayes, the response was the nearest to a standing ovation ever...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2005)

Paschal Mooney: This momentous occasion showed real leadership at a time when leadership has been found to be lacking in Europe. I ask the Leader, in view of her stated commitment to continuing a debate on European matters, to formulate an opportunity to debate the European constitutional treaty in its various parts so that this House can continue to play the leading role started by the Leader when she...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: Leave that to me.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I am grateful to Senator Browne because, in the context of this amendment, he anticipated the point I was about to make. He used the example of the proposed division of County Leitrim. I do not understand why the commission decided to attach this designation under its new dispensation. Not only has it split the county, but it accentuates the division that many of us have been attempting to...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: It is in the context of——

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: We are, but the argument used——

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: However, the argument——

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I fully appreciate that ruling. I was waiting for it. The argument used to pursue this amendment——

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I do not mind. I am valid in making the comparison——

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I am watching proceedings even though Leitrim has been eliminated.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I will speak on the Schedule and the new designation of Sligo-North Leitrim and Roscommon-South Leitrim. I understand the Minister's firm position on refusing to accept amendments, and do not expect him to argue it again. I wish to make my argument. The first electoral changes to Leitrim, and the first breach of the county boundaries, were in 1961. The designations used were Sligo-Leitrim and...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: It has nothing whatsoever to do with the esteemed Leader of the House.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: Since that time there has been an effect on the psyche of people from the north of the county who, as the Minister will know from his many visits, as will other Senators, including Senator McHugh, who is closest to me geographically. The people refer to themselves as coming from north Leitrim but there is no north Leitrim entity. It is something that goes back to the mists of time. People...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: Exactly. From 1884 on the county was sacrosanct and one wonders what might have happened if the GAA had not arrived. I say that with my tongue very firmly in my cheek but there is a historical reality to that as well. In the context of the Schedule, in addition to the deep hurt caused to many people in Leitrim there is also the deep psychological impact of not only splitting the county...

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: This is a marvellous achievement and the Minister deserves great credit for the job he is doing in his Department, as do all the other members of the Fianna Fáil Administration.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: I could think of a few more words.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: We had one from 1927 to 1949.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (30 Jun 2005)

Paschal Mooney: The constituency of County Leitrim.