Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like other colleagues I pay tribute to everybody who put themselves forward for election, be it the local elections, the two by-elections or the European Parliament elections. I congratulate all those who were successful and commiserate with the many who were not. Very many fine councillors have been lost throughout the country, mainly from the Government parties of Fine Gael and Labour. It is time for their colleagues in this House to stand up and be listened to at parliamentary party meetings. I have no doubt that issues like the discretionary medical cards and household, water and septic tank charges have not come as news to the councillors who lost their seats or colleagues in this House or the Lower House. I have no doubt people stood up at parliamentary party meetings and explained the reality on the ground. I have experience as a Fianna Fail Senator of being part of a parliamentary party which brought issues on the ground to the party hierarchy but I was not listened to. In that case 160 decent people lost their council seats over two elections. Those opposite should take a little advice. They should stand up and be heard at parliamentary party meetings or the same fate may face some of them in the next general or Seanad election.

I pay tribute to the late councillor, Mr. Owen Bannigan from County Monaghan, who died suddenly on the day of the election. He was a very fine representative for the people of his electoral area and he was very vocal about many social issues throughout the length and breadth of the country. I join with Senator Moran in paying tribute to him.