Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I believe reform is vital if we are to have a meaningful Seanad. The promotion of awareness is important. Many county councillors and candidates for the Seanad were unaware of the functions of this House. If candidates do not know, what does the man in the street think are the duties of the Seanad? We must raise awareness throughout the country and we should meet in other venues. I welcome the fact that Roscommon has been mentioned as a venue.

Graduates of the institutes of technology who have been left out of the franchise should have a meaningful role in the system. This is a good forum for raising issues. Today I raised decentralisation and Senator Ó Murchú raised the issue of the three Irish citizens in Colombia.

One of the greatest experiences of my life was to go on a Seanad campaign. I may have had to travel 10,000 miles but I met some great people from all parties who have a sense of duty and loyalty. To discuss the meaning of politics over apple tart in a kitchen late at night was fascinating. Until the campaign I did not realise that there is a republican wing in Fine Gael.