The amendment is a serious one because there has been controversy over State appointments. If a person has qualifications – business, social, educational or anything else – the fact that he or she belongs to a political party should not hinder him or her getting that position. Where does one find a person without any political leanings? There are very few in Ireland. In any pub at night one hears everyone spouting his or her political beliefs. Following a political party should not remove a person from consideration for positions such as these. While I commend the Senator for his principles, I do not agree with him.