Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Research has shown that. The Taoiseach and some on the other side should reflect seriously on his wishes because in a few weeks' time no doubt there will be a huge crowd at Béal na Blath, which is close to my constituency.

The Taoiseach and the Government will probably succeed in this Bill, but I will conclude on this point. We have now a situation of a diminution of democracy. In the area I represent in the west of Cork, we have lost four county councillors and three town councils with nine members each, which is 31 in all. If I go, there will be 32 public representatives gone from a peripheral area west of Clonakilty where there are islands and very remote regions. We are developing a dangerous situation in this country, namely, the setting up of a politburo of four or five persons within the Cabinet who are running the show and calling the shots. Abolish the Seanad and there will be one less leg of democracy left. Eventually, this country and politicians will regret going down this road. I ask those in whose remit it is on that side of the House to call a halt and vote with their heart for a change. They have nothing to lose.