Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps Senators Zappone and Quinn had consulted deeply with Senator Crown because they have worked very hard and long hours on their own reform document. I welcome Senator Daly's words and Senator Bradford's earlier contribution.

In terms of the content of the Bill, for the most part I would support it in its entirety as it goes a long way to addressing many of the problems we have in the current Seanad. I am not a politician at heart nor am I a political scientist. I would like to think my comments in the House this evening and in general reflect the public's feelings on a given issue.

It is my contention that the Seanad struggles to be a meaningful Upper House due to the stranglehold the political parties have on it due to the electoral system. The current process ensures that the Government of the day will have a cosy and safe majority and the remainder of the other seats will be awarded to other political parties. To borrow the President, Michael D. Higgins's words "independence of mind" tends to be a rarity in this Chamber, usually the preserve of the university Senators and it has been extended during this Seanad to the Taoiseach's nominees.