Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I welcome Dr. Manning. While I did not have the pleasure to serve with him, I have got to know him over several years. With regard to some of the greats he mentioned, I shared an office with Dr. Maurice Hayes for some years. Certainly, when one considers the contribution made by such people, it certainly also shows the contribution this House has made, albeit in its flawed state. These Houses have tried to follow the recommendations of Dr. Manning's organisation and its great work. However, the situation is still closer to George Orwell's definition of equality, where some people are more equal than others. I am interested in Dr. Manning's view on an all-Ireland bill of rights and how these Houses might seize the opportunity to work towards that.

On the issue of the Seanad specifically, and Dr. Manning made a very interesting address, does he agree that the problem with the Seanad in his own time and at this time is not with Senators but with the leadership of the political establishment's decision to ensure that the position is rigged in favour of the lobby to have it abolished? In my nine years here - it is appropriate this would come from somebody on this side of the House - Senator Cummins is the best Leader of the Seanad we have had for his openness, which I am sure cannot be easy at times within the Whip system of the hierarchy of his party. This has ensured that people like Dr. Manning can address the House. How best can we ensure that society joins the lobby to allow Senators reform themselves in the way each of us here and Dr. Manning agree is necessary?