A LABOUR Senator has criticised the Government’s treatment of Opposition Bills and called for the abolition of the whip system.
First-time Senator John Gilroy also described some of his fellow elected politicians as “some of the greatest wasters” he has met.
Mr Gilroy, in comments posted on TCD professor Brian Lucey’s blog, said he found the Seanad “the most frustrating place to be”.
The main problem was the party whip system and the insistence that only ideas originated by the Government are accepted.
He instanced the treatment of a “very important” Bill on fiscal rules published by Independent Senator Seán Barrett last month. “The Government’s instinct was to reject it out of hand, indeed was determined to do so. I didn’t think this was appropriate.”
Mr Gilroy said that if he had followed his instinct and supported Mr Barrett’s proposal he would have lost the party whip and with it any influence as a Government Senator. “There’s the rub. Support proposal equals lost whip. Oppose good idea equals maintain influence in other areas. So the first thing that needs to be done is remove the whip.”
Mr Gilroy said the election system needed a complete overhaul.
“I have met some very great people, who would make very fine politicians, but would have no hope of being elected. I have also met some of the greatest wasters who are elected politicians . . . How do we elect the former and make sure the latter do not get through?”