Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I want to be associated with the votes of congratulations to Senator Cummins. Senator Wilson and I received extremely good co-operation from Senator Cummins, who is a very decent man. I do not doubt that he will reflect the confidence the Taoiseach placed in him when he appointed him Leader of the Seanad for a short time. I am sure that will continue after the election. I wish him well.

I would like to raise a couple of matters in the aftermath of the recent general election. I have been in public life for almost 32 years. I have to say the electorate has become cynical and distrustful of politicians in general. Promises are very real until elections are over, when they are forgotten. It would be important if people would report on what they have done, rather than on what they are going to do.

When the new Seanad has been elected, I suggest it should seriously consider the ever-increasing scourge of knife crime, which has reached epidemic proportions. Last week, a young man of 19 was chased and knifed to death. Can anybody say with any measure of conviction that it was an accidental occurrence? It was not. It was intended. Those who carry knives do not do so to pare their pencils or their nails. They do so with the intention of using them for other purposes.

Even at this late stage, I appeal to the Government parties to row back on their intention to abolish this House. We all accept it has to be reformed. No one disputes that. The failure to introduce reforms is not the fault of this House. Successive Governments have failed to reform the Seanad. Several reports have been compiled, but each of them is collecting its own layer of dust. Equally, the need for local government reform needs to be visited in a realistic way.

I would like to conclude by thanking the Cathaoirleach. I will not be contesting the forthcoming Seanad election. I wish every success to those who have decided to do so. I sincerely thank the Cathaoirleach and my colleagues on all sides of the House. I thank all the councillors throughout the country, as well as their spouses and partners. It has been a very enriching experience for me. I am delighted to have been given an opportunity to serve.