Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support the request from Senators Hanafin and Ó Brolcháin for a debate on Seanad reform. I have called for such a debate on numerous occasions. Following events during the past month or so, it is almost as if we are running out of time to engage in a debate on this matter. If such a debate is to take place, then it must be meaningful in nature.

I agree with Senators Mullen and Ó Murchú regarding the democratic right of an elected Taoiseach to represent our country in Washington on St. Patrick's Day. I am extremely disappointed that I was obliged to listen to the type of despicable and disgusting character assassination perpetrated by Members on the other side of the House this morning in respect of a man about whom they know very little. Yesterday, the Taoiseach provided the Lower House, to which he was elected, with a frank and open statement in respect of a game of golf in which he was involved. I do not play golf but those who do play the game lead me to believe that one can go out in the morning and play a round with a number of individuals and that in 99.9% of cases, one will proceed to have dinner, tea or a drink with the same people that evening. I am also informed by men and women who play golf that one could play 36 holes with another individual in one day and never have the occasion to discuss either business or anything else meaningful. That is the nature of the game.

It is extremely rich for Senator Cannon to almost state that the Taoiseach was telling lies, particularly in view of the fact that the former had no difficulty in accepting his appointment to this House from a previous Taoiseach.