Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today is like the parliamentary form of the last supper. We do not know whether we will be executed or survive or what will happen, but either way it is a significant exercise in democracy whereby the people have their say on the future of this House. People may well be surprised by the outcome. I have engaged with the people. As a Senator, I feel as if I am somewhat in a glass bubble because I am talking about something associated with myself. However, from talking to people, I have gathered that they are well engaged and informed. They are a good deal more informed about the work of the House than people might think. The only fear I have is that not enough of them will turn out to vote. My appeal is to those who have studied the Chamber and who have seen and admired the great people who have gone through the Chamber over the years. They have been well documented at this stage and include Mary Robinson, Gordon Wilson and others. When people are reflecting tomorrow in the polling station, they should reflect on the positive as well as the negative.

We have seen a significant dirty campaign, probably the dirtiest campaign we have ever seen in a referendum in the history of the country. It demeans the profession of politics and the Oireachtas and there was no need for it. Certainly, there was no need for the misinformation, which has been clearly demonstrated as misinformation. It is regrettable that politics must be brought down to the lowest common denominator. If anything makes people cynical it is what I would describe as cheap yellow pack politics. We are better than that and certainly this Chamber is better than that. I sincerely hope the Chamber has a reformed future. Going on the example of the debate we had last night on Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill, which is an excellent Bill, a great deal could be achieved for the betterment of the people.