Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I have no doubt about this issue. From the perspective of all politicians, including those in the Oireachtas and at local authority level, there was absolute unanimity in regard to this issue. People did not want to proceed with the directly elected chair for many reasons to which I have already referred. I do not intend to repeat what I said previously. Perhaps the issue can be revisited at some future date. I believe it is the correct course of action and there was absolute unanimity on the matter.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.