Fiona O'Malley (Independent)

Although I am glad to have an opportunity to speak about the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Amendment) Bill 2008, I have no hesitation in saying I do not support it. I am conscious I am one of the Senators who enjoys the patronage of the Taoiseach, having been nominated to my position in this House. I was used to having a mandate as an elected representative, but that is no longer the case in my capacity as a Senator. It certainly impedes my sense of having a mandate as, technically, I do not have one. I am conscious I am approaching this issue from that perspective. I do not have any cross to bear or cause to fight for any particular group. The reason I am opposed to this legislation is that it would perpetuate the power of vested interests, which is what is fundamentally wrong with this Chamber.

I am conscious that I am a former member of a party that originally wanted to abolish the Seanad. Since I was elected to this House, I have noticed that the quality of debate is much higher here. The manner in which Senators interact when discussing complex legislation was especially evident during the debate on the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009, which was much better in this House than it was in the Dáil. I have come around to the position that this is a worthwhile Chamber. I am sure all the Fine Gael Members of this House would like the Seanad to continue. Perhaps the leader of that party, on mature and measured reflection, will change his tune. It is quite ironic that Fine Gael proposes to extend the franchise and nominating abilities of the Seanad at a time when it also proposes the abolition of the House. There is a lack of coherence in such a strategy.