Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In fairness, when a dear colleague of mine impugns my independence by accentuating the first syllable of the word , I need to address it on the record.

The distinguished Senator is a former lecturer of mine and knows the works of Flann O'Brien and James Joyce better than I do. It is in the nature of being an Independent Senator that one will differ from other Senators in how one votes. I have a better and stronger record than Senator Norris on this occasion.

To return to Senator Gilroy's suggestion, I had the privilege of being part of the precursor to the Constitutional Convention, the We the Citizens movement, which examined evidence-based results regarding how a constitutional assembly with 100 members can deliberate and make tough and clear decisions over a defined period. The vexed issue of ownership of Irish Water is one that concerns all 60 Senators and the Minister who has been clear on the matter. We are trying to find a way to convince and reassure the citizens we represent or with whom we engage and work that public ownership of Irish Water will be maintained and the company will not transfer to private hands without eligible voters taking a decision to permit such a transfer.

On Second Stage, I set out the reasons I am in favour of holding a plebiscite. I acknowledge, however, the reasonable point made by Senator Byrne on how we can assuage public anxiety on this issue. I and Senator Mary Ann O'Brien, my colleague on the Independent benches, have frequently voted on different sides when the House divided.