Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very interesting that a number of political parties have suggested that we could bring in non-mandated and non-political people and appoint them as Ministers as part of reform. It is also interesting that it has come out that there are talks of super committees comprising non-elected and non-mandated people. As weak as the Seanad's electoral system may be, at least one must get elected by some votes. The hypocrisy is sickening and has stunned the body politic at this particular time. As far as I am concerned, we had an opportunity in this Chamber to stand up for what we believed in and to say, in no uncertain terms, that the campaign, the way it was initiated and sold to the people and the way those making the decision would not engage with the people, will come back to haunt us.

I still hope that by Wednesday or Thursday something may happen in this Chamber that will send a message of decency, integrity, responsibility and democracy to the people. I hope that the message is conveyed that we only get one bite at the cherry and if we do not avail of this opportunity, not only will we regret it but we will add to the confusion and the discouragement of people caused by the manner in which this campaign has been conducted.