Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is also about removing the system of Taoiseach's nominees. Groupthink does not serve us well. It happens in respect of economic issues when, due to party loyalties, people do not oppose something. Many Members in the Minister of State's party will regret that they did not show Deputy Walsh's levels of courage and conviction.

It will not happen under this Government, but I suggest that a group of former politicians, finely balanced from a political perspective, should examine the reports and Bills on Seanad reform and draft a blueprint on how the House should be structured. It should not be left to the current Minister or people in his Department, as it would be a political exercise. However, it will not happen under this Government. I have been a Member for 17 years, and this Government is certainly the most totalitarian that I have ever experienced. That is regrettable.