Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I echo the remarks of Senators O'Toole and Wilson. I have been in public life for 30 years and I respect the views of everyone. That is one of the great things about this House, the other House and all the local authorities. People can put themselves forward for election, be elected and have a mandate to speak. I will not repeat the remarks made by the Senators but the fact that I have alluded to them is an affirmation of my agreement with them. The Garda Síochána is the best police force in the world. I am proud of it, as is every Member of both Houses. On the issue of Seanad reform, there is an attitude in these Houses that it is a great thing to propose radical ideas. I am aware there is nothing so good it cannot be improved. Of course this House can be improved. There have been several reports on it and they are all gathering a layer of dust. That is not the fault of the Seanad. We have put ourselves forward for reform on many occasions but nothing has happened.

Who wants to get rid of town councils? County managers do, because they are an irritant to them. Our 75 town councils, five borough councils, five county borough councils and 29 county councils are all arms of democracy. The day we abolish them will be a sad day for democracy. If they do not have powers, that is not the fault of local government. It is the fault of successive Governments. This House should set its face against the abolition of the town councils because they are the first bastion of local democracy.