Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

The Government party was in a minority and had to deal with Independent Senators to pass Bills and they extracted a price. This House was held to account and Ministers had to listen to it. One of the problems in this Seanad is that Ministers cannot get out of the House fast enough. They will not listen and whatever is said will not be taken further. Senator Harris holds the balance of power in the House. He can bring about the situation we had between 1995 and 1997.