Fine Gael senators give mixed reaction to Kenny plan

FINE GAEL senators have given a mixed response to party leader Enda Kenny’s dramatic plans to abolish the Seanad.

Some Senators have expressed strong opposition to the proposal and the manner in which it was announced without consultation with the parliamentary party.

Senator Paudie Coffey from Waterford said he was surprised at the new policy position.

“Having said that we are in difficult times, that call for radical thinking. I sometimes get frustrated with the Seanad system. It needs reform. But it does have a role at the moment. If the Seanad was abolished in the morning that would be one less voice for Waterford. I have mixed feelings to be quite honest,” he said.

Senator John Paul Phelan from Kilkenny also expressed surprise, especially as the party had announced a new policy position on Seanad reform only seven months ago.

“I am a bit shocked really by what I heard . . . There had not been any debate within the party since we had the last discussion on reforming the Seanad. It’s a bit of a bolt from the blue.”

Westmeath-based Senator Nicky McFadden said she did not believe that getting rid of the Seanad was the right thing to do. “I think we need to have a second house of parliament . . . I don’t agree with abolition.”

Senator Maurice Cummins, from Waterford, said he was upset at the manner in which the policy was announced. “People were taken unawares.”

He said that it was the people, by referendum, rather than politicians that may decide as to whether this was right or wrong.

Frances Fitzgerald from Dublin, party leader in the Seanad, was one of a number who strongly supported Mr Kenny’s move. “It’s about more effective and efficient democracy. There are many reports on the reform of the Senate that have not been implemented. It is radical and is about responding and leading on the concerns that people have about democracy,” she said.

Her Dublin colleague Paschal Donohoe agreed. “It’s either reform or go. Look at the schedule this week. We are sitting for a day and a half. We have statements on Postal codes and a private members motion on ocean beds. The country is on the brink and we are getting up to this kind of stuff.”

Senator Jerry Buttimer from Cork South Central described Mr Kenny’s speech as brave. “We are in politics to serve the people. It’s a difficult time for people. People who are unemployed, who see a litany of expenses being abused by Ministers. They want change.”

Senator Paul Coughlan from Kerry said he was surprised that a policy position on reform only seven months old had been changed. I would prefer a discussion at parliamentary party level before making any comment.”

Senator Eugene Regan from Dún Laoghaire said that Mr Kenny had adopted a legitimate policy decision but said that reform rather than abolition may be preferable. “It’s an indication of how radical we may have to be . . . there is an issue as to whether the Seanad should be reformed as distinct from abolished. It’s not unique to have a bicameral system.”

Senator Paddy Burke from Mayo said that the policy would involve radical change and said he had seen very good work done by very good senators in his 16 years in the chamber. “If it becomes official policy, I will go along with it but it will be like the turkey voting for Christmas.”