Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Ross, although I do not agree with many of the sentiments he expressed. Every man and woman appointed, selected or elected to the House had something to offer and made a marvellous contribution to the political system during the years. That includes the four colleagues of mine recently appointed to the House by the Taoiseach for a short period. One of them, the General Secretary of the Fianna Fáil Party, is a marvellous man who contributed a great deal to the re-election of the party which confounded all the pundits who stated it was not possible.

I am a Senator from a rural constituency. I assure the silent majority of 70% of the people that during this Seanad term Senators on this side will not tolerate the hot air and nonsense spoken from time to time because it is not relevant.

I assure Senator Ross that, under my stewardship as the new Leader of the House, Seanad reform will be examined——