Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

He has been promoted. Indeed, quite a number of members of the Cabinet have taken that route. I do not agree with the denigration, but the disconnect with the public needs to be addressed.

Besides this Bill, Senators Quinn and Zappone have published one, Fianna Fáil has published another and Senator Crown has published yet another. Elements of each Bill could enhance the electoral process, and I would not be against that. However, if there is to be any change in the composition of the Seanad, the most urgent system crying out for change is the abolition of the 11 Taoiseach's nominees. There should be no Senator who is not elected. The system of appointments was introduced almost 80 years ago-----