Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is not an Independent but a member of the Labour Party. The track record of any Independent is evident from how he or she differs from others in votes. An Independent is someone who considers each section of a Bill or each issue on its merit and does not constantly vote against or for the Government. A considerable number of the 14 Independent Senators have voted consistently against the Government. I argue that Senator Norris is perhaps not as independent as he would like to believe.