I have great friendships with colleagues in all parties and my heart bleeds for them at Seanad election time when they are sent up hill and down dale in a dreadfully demeaning search for votes. There can also be considerable danger involved, especially when elections take place in winter and candidates have to drive all over the country in a desperate effort to reach as many county councillors as possible. This is a serious concern. Senators will recall that a former Cathaoirleach of the Seanad was killed in a car accident. Having travelled in his professionally driven State car from one funeral to another, he ended up tragically at his own. That was a shocking situation. Candidates are being exposed to real hardship and danger in an electioneering system which is not based on real issues. That is regrettable.