Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unlike the Dáil, this House is not all about personalities and soundbites. This Seanad is charged with holding Ministers to account in respect of their actions. Ministers do not want to be scrutinised in this way and they would prefer if it did not happen in the future. However, this will not help democracy and it will not be fair to the people. As a result of what is proposed in the Bill, people will not obtain the response they deserve. The legislation before us does not represent the wishes of the people, nor does it reflect what Senators are hearing from them in respect of this matter.

There is another bit of light at the end of the tunnel. When this proposal was first floated, one would have been obliged to peruse the back pages of the newspapers in order to find any type of comment that was supportive of the Seanad. However, a recent editorial in the Sunday Independent referred to the vandalism connected with this proposal. The tone used in The Irish Times and other newspapers indicates that a change is coming about. This is because we have moved away from the stereotyping and the clowning and are now involved in genuine consideration of the democratic structures which obtain in this country. In my view, this represents light at the end of the tunnel. When the media - which is coming on board - ourselves and all like-minded people who genuinely respect and support democracy come together, I am convinced that everyone will see the Bill for what it is, namely, an ill-thought-out proposal. The Bill is anti-democratic. It takes the people for granted and does not provide them with the leadership to which they are entitled. If it is enacted, they will not even be given an option in the context of how they might vote in the referendum. This is because the Bill does not contain any reference to reform. When the Seanad is abolished, what will be left? Nothing whatsoever.

This matter should have been referred to the Constitutional Convention. There is no argument about that. The convention would have been the ideal forum in which to discuss the future of the Seanad. It is an insult to the people to present them with a "to be or not to be" style referendum and not even offer them the opportunity to vote on reform. I am of the view that they will take that insult to heart. I hope it might still be possible for us to retrace our steps and - I will not hold my breath in this regard - for once show the nature of real democracy. People are losing respect for those in public life because they see the shenanigans that occur. They are also aware of the hypocrisy relating to the systems and structures that are in place. Let us provide them with real leadership. This matter does not come down to being opposed to the Taoiseach or ranting against the parties in government or anyone else, it relates to why we are here in this House, namely, to represent the people. Never has it been more necessary for us to fulfil that responsibility than is the case at present. Who knows? We may just experience a miracle when it comes to the vote on the legislation. Let us keep our fingers crossed.