David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know, but I am talking about subterfuge. I will conclude very quickly. This is not a simple Bill but is a classic trick. The Minister of State is bleating about how the Irish people will be given a choice. Let them have the choice. Why is he objecting, for example, to showing the Irish people what the Government is doing? He said he is defending the Constitution. How the hell can one defend the Constitution by tearing it into flitters? Proposing 71 changes to it is not defending it but mutilating it. I challenge the Government to put down on the ballot paper what those charges are. It is afraid to do so. It will not do it because it does not want the Irish people to see what is happening.

I wish to God I was up on the pinnacle of the temple and the Irish people could hear every word because I want them to get this message if no other. This Government with its austerity, penny pinching and hitting of the old, weak, disabled and carers is the people of Ireland's one free shot and it is an open goal. If the people want to teach the elite group of politicians running this country into the ground a lesson, this is their one chance. Abolishing the Seanad will not be noticed. It will make no difference whatsoever. It would make a difference if we have a chance of reforming it and if we get that chance, we will hold to it and force through reforms. If the people want to teach the Government a lesson, they should get their boots on and take a smack at that goal and that will teach our current lords and masters a lesson.