Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I congratulate the Taoiseach on his political and personal integrity, as witnessed throughout the entire referendum process. I include the Leader of the House in the congratulations. I use the word "integrity" wisely because it is difficult to take a difficult position. It is also difficult to hold on to a difficult position, especially on the abolition of this House.

I knew when the Taoiseach was appointing me that this was his position. Nobody had any doubt about it. Nobody across all parties had any doubt about it and nobody was surprised. Therefore, we all knew what was going to happen.

The people voted to retain the Seanad. The "No" vote was 20.2%, while the "Yes" vote was 18.6%, giving a margin for retention of the Seanad of 3.4%. Did we win well?