Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I ask the Leader's view on that. Arising from the consultation with the people, because that is what such a preferendum would amount to, we could then have a clear idea about what precise proposal to put to people about political reform and Seanad reform at a later stage. I have no doubt that if one puts the question to the people, one would get a gradation of different positions. I doubt there is a clear majority in favour of one position as against another. As Senator White rightly said, people would abolish the Seanad if it was a straight option between things continuing as they are and abolition, but many would adopt a more nuanced position if they felt there was a genuine intent to reform. It would be a real disservice to the cause of political reform not to give people the opportunity to have a say on the proposition.