Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the candidates' families on their commitment and support during the election.

Senator Ardagh discussed the issue of Brexit and SMEs around the country. I agree with her.

Senators Marshall, McDowell, Conway-Walsh and Devine referred to the European elections in the North of our country. We congratulate the three people who were elected and wish them well. As Senator McDowell mentioned, it is time that the binary terms be disposed of. Senator Marshall stated that the positive we must take is that the majority in the North were for remain. This is about positivity, and if there is one thing that we can learn from the local and European elections, it is that people want positivity. They want solutions, as Sinn Féin found out. They want to hear proposals, not protests or divisive condemnation. I commend Senator Marshall on his excellent contribution. The election of Ms Naomi Long sends a very positive message to the rest of the world. It was her historic election that the Taoiseach referred to in his tweet in congratulatory tones. We will have another debate on the future of our country and the North. Senator Marshall's point was about positivity and being solutions based.

An issue was raised by Senators Paddy Burke and Conway-Walsh and, inadvertently, the Cathaoirleach regarding barriers to voting. We should examine those, particularly where registration is concerned. We must also make voting easier for those who are abroad for work or holidays or who are incapacitated at home. There are early voting systems across the world, and I do not see why we cannot have the same. We should be able to make it easier to vote and I would be happy to have such a debate as part of the discussion that I hope to have soon on the electoral commission.