Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

This is an historic day for this House. As the reducing echo of the rhetoric in this House wafts its way across to the other House, I hope that many of today's contributions might resonate positively, including those of Senator Harris, Senator O'Toole and Senator Quinn. I do not think the amount of talent in this House should be dismissed so quickly and so easily. I agree with the view that the media should have taken more cognisance of the proceedings of this House and that the media set up public opinion that the Seanad should be abolished. If there were to be a constitutional referendum, I am sure some people would say the local authorities should also be abolished. This is the prevailing culture. The incoming Government has a duty to ensure both sides of the argument are put to the people.