Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We should not start this debate by saying we think it is futile. If Senators put the country before their parties, this will not be futile. I ask them to reflect on the manner in which the proposal to abolish the Seanad was introduced. It was dropped like a bombshell in the middle of a general election campaign without forewarning or notice. No White Paper or Green Paper was drawn up. It was decided to get rid of a House of Parliament because it suited the political ambitions of the time. That was the starting point of this proposal. I strongly believe we have an opportunity to stop this from happening. It is clear from listening to our colleagues on the other side of the House that nobody is happy with this proposal. The more I speak to the general public, the more it seems that people are questioning the motive behind the proposal to abolish the House. Perhaps the referendum will have a surprising outcome. It is clear from the results of recent referendums that these measures never happen precisely as the Government expects. I may be an eternal optimist, but I am not convinced that a referendum to abolish the Seanad would be successful. The people will distrust the motives behind it.