David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

The people should not only have a vote but have one that is relevant such that the Chamber can act on behalf of citizens and, crucially, act as a check and balance against the Dáil.

As a member of a Sinn Féin delegation I appeared before the Seanad in 2003. Senator Leyden, who is seated in front of me, has a document which was drawn up by the former Senator, Mary O'Rourke, who was the then Leader of the House. The delegation in which I participated in 2003, eight years ago, put forward a raft of proposals aimed at reforming this House to make it democratic and relevant and to ensure it acted as a check and balance. None of the proposals from Sinn Féin or any other political party or from people both inside and outside the House was taken on board. The reason this House is now facing extinction is the failure of the political establishment to reform it and make it work. It must take primary responsibility for that.

We have now arrived at a point where abolition is a real possibility. I believe there should be a referendum because when the political establishment fails, the people should have their say. If there is a referendum, it should not be a case of either-or in terms of retaining the Seanad as it is or simple abolition. Those of us who believe in the second Chamber have a collective responsibility to ensure we put in place a relevant option and let the people decide whether they want a Seanad that is truly democratic, can serve citizens and can be the check and balance it should be. They should have the right to vote on that. The referendum should not be a simple choice of retaining or abolishing the Seanad.

As an Irish republican, and Sinn Féin's primary goal is the reunification of Ireland and the establishment of a republic, I believe it was remiss on the part of the Taoiseach not to nominate to the Seanad someone from the Unionist community in the North. Gestures are one thing but actions speak louder than words. That was a missed opportunity.

Earlier, Senator Norris referred to W. B. Yeats. As an Irish republican I am mindful of the words and sentiments of the United Irishmen of 1798 who wanted to unite Catholic, Protestant and dissenter and the founding mothers and fathers of this State, the 1916 leaders, who wanted to establish a genuine republic. When members of Sinn Féin become members of chambers such as this, we wish to play a positive and constructive part in building that republic and ensuring the 1916 Proclamation is not just words but comes to life. The pressing problems of forced emigration and massive unemployment - there are 400,000 people out of work, of whom 14,500 are in my native county of Waterford - as well as other big challenges must be tackled. We must rise to those challenges, both social and economic. If we fail to rise to the challenge of reforming the Seanad, the people should make it extinct. Those who wish to achieve a different type of Chamber must work constructively together.

I look forward to working with the Leader of the Seanad and the leaders of the other groups in playing a positive and constructive role in this House into the future.