David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The House let itself down badly last night. This House was saved in order to represent the voice of the Irish people. I recognise that the Government legitimately used the whip but I regret that the so-called Enda-pendents, as well as one of my own colleagues, chose to vote in the way they did. This happened previously, when a Government was saved by one vote from this side. This House is supposed to be an independent voice that is above politics. Nothing made more clear the need for radical reform of the House than its lamentable behaviour last night. I do not blame the Government Senators. They had their reasons. They were whipped and they had to support a decent Minister in an awkward position. However, I cry shame on my colleagues who are allegedly independent.