Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I agree with the previous speakers. Following the farce of the past few days and the result last night of the internal vote within the Fianna Fáil Party it is essential we know the date of the general election and the legislative programme the Government intends to see carried out within its remaining term of office. As Senator O'Toole noted, leaving us in the dark about this and not providing clarity is not only an inefficient way to do business but is undemocratic. To leave people in this uncertain position is to treat them with contempt. We do not know whether the Government will continue for three, four, six or eight weeks - there are now references to April and May. We need to know this. Members are hearing this point across the doorsteps when we canvas, in Dún Laoghaire and throughout the city and the country. We are hearing from the people of their desire for stability and certainty and, above all else, their desire to get this Government out. Therefore, I call on the Leader to give the House an indication of when the election is likely to happen and what is the legislative programme for the remainder of the term. We know there is a meeting taking place between the coalition partners so if he cannot give us that indication today can he at least tell the House when he will be able to provide it? Might he be able to tell us tomorrow, after the result of today's discussion? We saw the Leader last night on television, standing directly behind the Government Chief Whip on the plinth, in a position of great prominence.