Shane Ross (Independent)

It is wrong for Senator Higgins to say that he will vacate his seat if the emigrants take his place. This was a device used in the European elections by Senator Higgins to appeal for the votes of constituents whose relatives had emigrated. His tactic worked extremely well but, in terms of the status of this House, it is ridiculous for anybody to agree to vacate a seat on the condition that it goes to whomsoever he or she wishes.