Alex White (Labour)

They know all about it because they invented it. The criticism of Senator Bacik to the effect that she is questioning the mandate of the Government is nonsensical. Do we say when we lose an election that we suspend all powers of criticism? If we lose an election, do we have to go away and die? I hope that when Fianna Fáil loses the election, they will take an honourable position in Opposition, that they will see it is an important place and they will not seek to contribute further to the undermining of democracy by thinking they cannot even exist if they are not in Government. They should try it out some time. It is not that bad. It is part of the way the system works. Legislation is scrutinised and the Government is called to account. This is a very important part of the legitimacy that the Minister referred to earlier. Senator Feeney, Senator O'Malley and others need a lesson on how democracy works. It is not all about being in Government all the time and it is not a fate worse than death to be over here.