Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It talked about allowing 20 seats to be directly elected, with the remaining 23 seats being voted in by local authority members. Finally, it stated that Fine Gael would consider the potential of a system allowing voters in Northern Ireland to participate in Seanad elections. As the Cathaoirleach will be well aware, that was the Fine Gael document on Seanad reform, which was presented to this House when Mary O'Rourke was the Leader. That was a few short years ago but, of course, when stuck for a headline for a dinner dance, the idea of abolishing the Seanad emerged over a cup of tea and a chat among a small number of people, and it is now taking off as a reality.

The bullying tactics that have gone on in the main Government party would, in any other area of employment, be serious issues to be challenged. However, in the political sphere, for some reason, they are regarded as good practice. In my opinion, it is highly dangerous to give more power to that kind of leadership mentality.