Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is a very sensitive subject for politicians on which even to engage in a debate, as the Minister will be aware. I admire Senator David Norris's forthrightness and political courage, not for the first time, on this issue, but one has to tread like one is walking on egg shells when one talks in the Houses of the Oireachtas about the specifics of the amendments which, in general, are about restricting increases for politicians. There is no question but that it is a populist measure. However, there are a number of contrary views. One is that the Government, in its attempt to abolish the Seanad, played on what the focus groups seemed to suggest would go down well with the general public, that not only would it get rid of a bunch of politicians but that it would save the State some money. Member may remember that they were the two main planks of the proposal-----