Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join with others in wishing the staff who run the Seanad well as we head towards the summer recess. Last weekend, The Irish Mail on Sundaycarried a story about the Leader and me, and the Air Navigation and Transport Bill that is passing through this House at present. The article referenced the likely impact on the Leader's position as a result of the position she has taken in the House. We are Senators, not Deputies or county councillors. We are here to evaluate or appraise legislation as it passes through the House. There should be no Whip. We are elected to vocational and university panels and do not have constituencies. That is it. That is where it starts and ends. The Leader looked at the legislation, found flaws with it - similar to those I found - and took a position. She should be honoured and not castigated for that.