Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is important because we are talking about the Acting Chairman?s position, too. I had the pleasure of being here when Mr. Michael McDowell was justice Minister. He changed his mind about abolishing the Seanad when he attended the House in which he was excellent. We sat here enthralled listening to his eloquence. Former Senator and now Deputy Joanna Tuffy and Senator Jim Walsh had a robust discourse with Mr. McDowell when he had legislation in this House and he was impressed by the quality of the debate. He has said that if the Seanad was abolished, it would mutilate the Constitution, as 73 separate amendments and the deletion of entire articles would be required, reduce the effectiveness of the Oireachtas, sweep away significantly important safeguards in EU and Irish matters and not save much money. I am happy that I am value for money for taxpayers.

It is very difficult to be elected to Seanad Éireann. I would not have received a nomination if I did not have a track record in business. I was proposed by the Irish Exporters Association to represent it on the Industrial and Commercial Panel.