Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

At the behest of Senator Daly, I made strong representations to have Clare included for Objective One status. I believe the views of the Senators are serious and genuinely held, and need to be considered in the future.

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes that the independent commission has served us well. At all times we have accepted the recommendations of the commission and have done so again this time. The commission would not have had a difficulty if we had decided to change the names to ones that are more acceptable. Senator Mooney has one view and the Clare Deputies and Senators might have another view. Would they be happy to be part of a Connacht-Ulster constituency without any recognition? At least North-West gives Clare some recognition, bearing in mind that Clare forms part of the Western Development Commission.

Random selection could suit all of us at times. In my first election in 1994 there were two candidates with the same surname as mine and I probably lost a couple of thousand votes as a result.