Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It portrays an arrogance by both gentlemen to wish to abolish the assembly which is there to ensure that they perform efficiently. I am unsure what has happened in the period that has been described. Senator Bradford informed us that until quite recently the Taoiseach had a different view of this House.

He appointed 11 brilliant people who are among the leaders in the House. Why has he gone sour on this House? Why will he not come here and tell us what is on the charge sheet? What did we do that has moved him to want to abolish this House? I do not know. It is very difficult to respond to somebody who decided without debate or consultation that this House should no longer exist.

Let us remind the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste of precedent. The result of the abolition of Grattan's Parliament was misery for decades afterwards. This House is not perfect - neither was Grattan's Parliament - but abolishing Houses of Parliament does not do much good for democracy because power goes elsewhere to people who are unaccountable. The abolition of Stormont meant we had to make significant efforts, through former President Clinton and former Prime Minister Blair, to secure the restoration of that Parliament. I am proud of how well it is working. The former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, played a role in that regard also. Countries which abolish democratic assemblies, remove scrutiny and show no respect for parliament are going nowhere.

I am surprised and disappointed by the attitude of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste towards this House which is an asset as we try to rebuild a country that is bankrupt because of faults in the senior Civil Service, bank regulation and dreadful bankers. We have decided to blame eight Deputies and 60 Senators instead, which makes no sense. We need to tackle the issue of the democratic deficit in this country. I will travel everywhere I can to oppose the Taoiseach in this referendum. It is a retrograde step and I am very disappointed that a Government which was elected on a reform platform has embarked on a demolition course.