Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That the report of the Committee of Selection that was held on 4 June be laid before the Seanad."

Before dealing with the motion, I want to have something clarified for the record of the House. I am deeply hurt, offended and shocked by what the Tánaiste has just said in the other House concerning No. 1. He made comments that have affected my credibility and status as Chairman of the committee. Furthermore, he has undermined the Committee of Selection. He said that "some slick parliamentary footwork had been performed", that "a parliamentary stroke" had been pulled and that the selection committee had played political games and that we should be ashamed of ourselves. That accusation was directed at the Fianna Fáil members and at the two other members, Senator Bradford and Senator Norris. It was an appalling statement.