Shane Ross (Independent)

It is a great tribute to one man that he is capable of doing that. I am sure many Members of this House will be among that flock, including me.

On a slightly more serious point, I suggest to the Government parties that there is a solution to the squabbling in which they are indulging in public. While there is a great temptation to blame each other after an electoral setback of the kind we have witnessed, I suggest that the House take the opportunity to debate what is happening in Government Buildings. Senator O'Toole will be missing from the discussions, unfortunately, which means there is less noise coming from Government Buildings but perhaps a little more content. I am serious in asking that backbenchers of both sides of this House who feel they are being ignored do not take it out on their partners in Government but look at the centre of power in this country. They are correct in believing they are being ignored. Their wishes are being ignored by the Cabinet because the next budget is being written today in Government Buildings. The people involved in the discussions, the so-called social partners, will have a great deal more input than the Members on the Government side who are complaining about each other.