Laura Harmon (Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is testament to the Seanad that we can form commonality with people who potentially we would not always agree with and we can have respect for each other. We have two fine candidates for the selection. I said informally to Senator Byrne earlier that she is a fantastic candidate. I will be participating in this election and voting for my colleague, Senator Flynn. She is an outstanding Senator and my colleague, Senator Nessa Cosgrove, spoke eloquently about her.The Seanad was set up originally to ensure that we had representation of minority voices. That is important. As somebody from the LGBTQI+ community myself, it is important. It is amazing that 45% of Members are women. We are getting there vis-à-visgender but we have so much more work to do.

I urge people to consider this matter. The way the Seanad is set up, it is inevitable that the Government will have a majority in this House. There should be a secret ballot, and it is something we need to fight for. I urge people to consider that when they are voting, abstaining or whatever it is they choose to do today.