Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney's contribution has teed me up. I appreciate why it is difficult for the Members on the Government side to listen to lectures from Fianna Fáil about stroke politics, notwithstanding the defence put forward by Senator Mooney. We all know the historical facts. Notwithstanding the history of Fianna Fáil, it is also very difficult to say that there is not some element or degree or sniff of stroke politics about this entire unpleasant episode. As Members of Seanad Éireann we defended this House strongly and valiantly 12 months ago, and we must be concerned about actions that are not of our making which impugn the authority and reputation of Seanad Éireann. Apparently, one of the defences being put forward by some members of the Government parties at their respective parliamentary party meetings last night was that Fianna Fáil, if in the same position, would have done the very same. That may well be the case-----