Fianna Fáil will oppose the abolition of the Seanad, arguing that it should instead be reformed to make it smaller and more efficient, with reduced salaries for its members, party leader Micheal Martin has said.
He told delegates to the party’s ardfheis in the RDS in Dublin tonight, he favoured directly elected senators along with specialised areas being represented.
He added that the Seanad should play a particular role in scrutinising European legislation.
He said that last year people had demanded a deep reform of politics and every party committed to it.
“As things stand today, the Government is abandoning any real reform,” he added
“They will accept change but nothing which limits their absolute control of the Oireachtas.”
This year, he said, the Government would present a referendum on the Seanad’s abolition, claiming that it represented reform.
“It will do nothing of the sort,” he added.
“In fact, it will tighten their grip on political debate and reduce the scrutiny of ministers and legislation.”
Because the Government had a much lower majority in the Seanad, at the moment it was more willing to listen to other opinions when matters were debated there, he said.
Mr Martin also told delegates Fianna Fail’s action in the aftermath of the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report will be “swift and comprehensive”.
He told delegates he was determined people who belonged to Fianna Fáil and supported it would never again be let down by low standards.
“I repeat tonight a promise I have given in every meeting throughout the country: when the final report of the Mahon Tribunal is published, we will act without fear or favour against anyone who is shown to have abused their position in Fianna Fáil or elected office,” he added.
His remarks were greeted with applause.