Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased the Seanad is debating this issue. Senator White suggested the topic to me and I found the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey, most willing to attend the House. I find the billboards advertising Say No To Ageism week very attractive. One would be a long time blowing out all those candles. This issue is becoming prominent and many interesting points have been made by Members. The most telling way of making a point is by telling a personal story. This may have no relevance in the wider realm but I thought it was interesting.

When I was going before the selection convention those who wanted another candidate to be elected, namely, the incumbent's supporters, used my age against me. Although he was no Lochinvar himself, he was not involved. The first instance of this was a bogus telephone call to "Liveline". I agreed to take a call from the show because I believe one must set out one's stall and state one's case. Joe Duffy was genuinely puzzled that I was a candidate and asked whether I would prefer to put my feet up or go on a cruise. I can sail my boat anytime I want to and I do not wish to go on a cruise. It is difficult to believe people would think that way.

Even though that episode worked overwhelmingly in my favour, campaigners were told to use it against my campaign. They approached a cumann secretary who, in Fianna Fáil parlance, controlled the three votes. They suggested that it was ridiculous that I was a candidate. When asked why, they trotted out the age issue. He went into his kitchen and emerged with his lovely wife. He stated that his wife was the same age as Mary O'Rourke and asked if he should discard her. The candidate's campaigners left and I received the three votes.

Ageism is a stupid policy. There are horses for courses. Some are old at 20 and others are young at 90. I have met young fogeys one wants to encourage to get a life and have met older people who are more lively than many young people.