David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very important that we save the Seanad because we are a check, although an imperfect one. I have campaigned for the past 30 years for reform of the Seanad and every time we have returned I have tabled the decisions of all-party committees for debate and every time Governments of different complexion have voted against them. It was my proud privilege, as father of this House, to give the opening address and I spoke from the heart about preserving the Seanad. I was proud to second Senator John Crown's Bill. We will be depriving the people of a necessary check on hasty, unwise legislation, introduced by a Government that otherwise would be unchallenged. There are many other constitutional aspects. For example, I wonder if the people realise that if they manage to abolish the Seanad, the Lower House on its own will be able to dismiss judges.

I will conclude by making two quick points. We must stay united, as we have an opportunity of winning, but the playing field must be level and fair. As an academic, I cannot resist making the point that if President Kennedy did, in fact, make that reference to the Atlantic Ocean as the bowl of bitter waters, as they say in America, he was misspeaking. When Stephen Dedalus in Ulysses makes this reference, he is talking about the Irish Sea and the reference is actually to the tragic fate of his unfortunate mother. The reference to political life is more likely to be made when Stephen Dedalus describes Ireland as the old sow that eats her own farrow. We have a sow attempting to devour us to the disadvantage of the people.