David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will vote against the section because it contains a fundamentally coercive element, which concerns me. It undermines democracy when we say to people that they can vote but that if they do not vote the way we want, we will give them a slap. That is basically what is in this section. The Minister may say we are in difficult times and we need to take drastic measures. He is well able to speak for himself and the record will show what he said. I should not try to put words in his mouth and I do not propose to do so but that is what it appeared to me to be. I do not think anybody could deny that this is a coercive section and it is intended to undermine the freedom of individual trade union members and trade unions groups to vote in the way they want. They will be slapped and financial penalties will be imposed on them if they do not agree. I cannot bring myself to agree with this.