Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

The technicalities win.

I acknowledge the work of former Senator Gemma Hussey. My first ever political action was to help Senator Hussey in her first Seanad election. Before computers were used, I addressed thousands of envelopes in Dartry Park. I remember that very well and I am proud to have supported her such a long time ago.

Senator Keane is a little churlish about this proposal, when she says it is pie in the sky. I find this slightly disrespectful. The idea of the amendment is to show leadership and a sense that this House can encourage additional political participation at a local level. I do not care whether the word used is "endeavour", "will", "able" or "should". I thought there should be generosity in the Government parties. They had plenty of time to come up with their own amendment. Our amendments were submitted very early. The amendment regarding the 40% quota was submitted particularly early because we could not accept that we will have to wait seven years after the next general election to reach that percentage. There was a lack of clarity on the part of the Government parties in explaining this. We were the ones driving this on Second Stage. We were the one who highlighted the fact that the duration was seven years, which was why we pressed the motion. The Bill will have a profound impact on the political culture and level of participation in politics in this country and as such, I broadly accept it and congratulate the Minister on bringing it forward. I also commend him for his good humour and technical ability to admonish me. However, with no disrespect to him, we will press the amendment.