I noticed that within the past few days two garden seats have been placed in front of the main entrance to Leinster House, and deputies, in the intervals of the debates, have not been slow to avail of them. The seats are placed one on either side of the entrance door, giving the suggestion of a "Government bench" and an "Opposition bench." It is more than a mere suggestion, as a matter of fact, because I noticed yesterday that none but supporters of the Government sat on one bench, while the other supported a Fianna Fail and a Labour deputy. It occurred to me that the placing of the benches in their present position, whoever was responsible for it, is really the beginning of an effort to provide some such accommodation as the terrace of the House of Commons affords to members at St. Stephen's and their friends in fine weather. But why is not the spacious and secluded lawn at the rear of Leinster House utilised for this purpose? Next year, perhaps, things will have moved a stage or two further, and we may have the spectacle of people peering through the railings in Merrion square at our legislators and their friends enjoying "tea on the terrace."
The Irish Times, June 14th, 1930.