Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

They have opted to remain silent and not call for a modest extension to their relatively elitist electorate.

On the other hand, in my 12 years as a Member of this House, I have witnessed a disrespectful and elitist attitude towards my electorate, including my Fianna Fáil colleagues sitting beside me, but primarily towards county and city councillors from every district of the country. Forty-three Members of this House are so elected after very competitive contests, certainly among Fianna Fáil Seanad candidates. As former Senator Martin Mansergh has pointed out, this "form of indirect democracy is very similar to the French system which ensures that there is no conflict of legitimacy between the two chambers".

Today's city and county councillors are elected by the people in ever more vigorous and hotly contested elections in every one of the electoral districts of the country. They could not be closer or more accountable to the people in their local areas. They do an immense amount of work in resolving social problems and mediating between the people and the State administrations at all levels. That is a most valuable contribution at this time of economic and related social stress on families. These city and county councillors - the electorate of the majority of the Members of the Seanad - deserve the respect of this House as the foundation layer in our democratic system. Already the Government has abolished the town councils, and 300 town councillors have been deprived of their contribution to democracy.

I spoke to Senator Cullinane last week and only one Sinn Féin candidate is going for election to the Seanad. All the Sinn Féin Senators vote for the one person and he or she is appointed to the Seanad, along with the Taoiseach's 11 nominees. Regarding the Labour Party candidates, can Senator Landy say if it has more than one candidate on its panel because I suspect-----