Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I endorse what Senator McDowell said, first in respect of the call for a secret ballot for these positions. That is very important and valid. It has happened in Dáil Éireann, why should it not happen in Seanad Éireann? That is a challenge to all of us as Senators with our respective contacts and parties.

Senator Craughwell is neither an undertaker nor a caretaker but has proved himself very hardworking. I spoke to several independent councillors yesterday about local government reform and local councils and they asked me would it ever be possible for an Independent to be elected to either of these prestigious positions. We have heard a lot in the past few days about new politics. Let us not cod ourselves: it is about the reality of a new political issue. We have been dealt figures and numbers on the returns in the last general election and the last Seanad election. We have to face up to a new political reality, but to gloss it as something else is a bit misleading. I endorse the nomination of Senator Craughwell and I am happy to second Senator McDowell.