Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I will not go down that road. I cannot accept the amendment, though I understand the Senator's point which was fairly made. As Senator Moylan said, a situation might arise where a new council was elected but could not have a mayor for five years. A bigger danger would be the creation of different classes of councillors, some of whom would be eligible for the position of cathaoirleach while others would not. That is the wrong approach. Many people have been elected to Dáil Éireann who became Cabinet Ministers on their first day. While some have been good, others have been disastrous. While some lasted a long time as Ministers, others did not but that is not the point.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment No. 15 not moved.