Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have been very critical of what is being termed "new politics". Very few decisions have been made during the Government's term in office. We have had committees, studies and the Citizens' Assembly but we have had very little legislation. That is the case for one clear reason. When the Government tries to make a decision, it must bring Fianna Fáil along with it. Fine Gael was re-elected into office and its members got the cars but Fianna Fáil got the keys. Unfortunately, Fianna Fáil, as we saw from earlier contributions, has a record of driving the car off the cliff and crashing it. It has taken us seven to eight years to recover. If we are serious about new politics let us put the rent certainty issue to the House. We should let the Bill be amended and allow contributions to be made on the floor of the House but let us have legislation. I will accept the democratic decision of both Houses.

The Taoiseach came to the Seanad at my request to talk about new politics. He said he would look forward to being back in the House before Christmas. I put the Leader on notice that I expect the Taoiseach to be in this House next Tuesday.