Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join others who have expressed deep concern about bypassing the selection committee. It is another example of the creeping arrogance we are witnessing all the time. The Leader needs to take on board the statement made by the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Chairman of that committee, Senator O'Donovan, who is a moderate man.

On the theme of arrogance and coercion, a report in today's Irish Independent is absolutely hilarious. It is reported that the Taoiseach, or the führer as he might be better called now, has instructed all the Fine Gael Senators not only to vote for the abolition of the Seanad in the referendum, but he has instructed them to get out and canvass. He will be watching them and expects them to turn up at the rallies. He expects them to make speeches in favour of the abolition.