Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Last week I did not have an opportunity to acknowledge Senator Bradford's balanced and coherent contribution on the need for partnership in politics to find a way forward from the current crisis. As Senators may recall, during the first couple of months of the recession I regularly made the same point on the Order of Business. While my contributions on the issue are virtually ancient history, I have consistently pointed to the need for the House to reflect on the challenges and suffering people are enduring. It was interesting to note recently how the pendulum swung back and forth between the political parties. As I watched various current affairs programmes on television, it became clear that spokespersons were reflecting what they were hearing daily on the ground and I wondered whether it would be possible to bring together their views before they were diluted. If we do not park partisan politics for a period, we will send the wrong message abroad.

While we are all upset about the position in which we find ourselves, constant references to the downturn and other negative factors are being picked up and reported abroad, which does not help our credit rating. What is the way forward? It may not be possible to find one honest broker to bring together the various interests, but the Seanad could assume this role. This Chamber has representatives from business, the trade unions, the professions and the academic world. Will the Leader agree, as an indication of leadership from the House, to have a full day discussion focused entirely on how we can achieve consensus in this matter? I do not expect to achieve unanimity among the parties. Such a discussion should take place immediately, rather than in three weeks' time. I am convinced the House is the only honest broker at this time. We need to listen to various views and find a solution to the current crisis.