Labour Senator’s criticism of ‘new politics’ leads to sharp exchanges

Criticism of "new politics'' by Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys led to sharp exchanges in the Seanad.

“Very few decisions have been made during the Government’s term in office,’’ he said. “We have had committees, studies and the citizens’ assembly, but we have had very little legislation.’’

Mr Humphreys said this was because the Government had to bring Fianna Fáil with it when making a decision.

"Fine Gael was re-elected to office and its members got the cars but Fianna Fáil got the keys,'' he said. Fianna Fáil had "a record of driving the car off the cliff and crashing it."

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Mr Humphreys said Taoiseach Enda Kenny had come to the Seanad at his request to talk about “new politics’’ and had said he looked forward to being back in the House before Christmas,.

"Go away,'' remarked Fine Gael Seanad leader Jerry Buttimer.

“No, I will not go away,’’ Mr Humphreys replied. “The Taoiseach made a commitment to do so.’’

Mr Humphreys said there was a need to deal with the housing crisis and the rental crisis, especially in Dublin.

Fianna Fáil Senator Diarmuid Wilson said Labour did not do much about it when in government for five years

Fianna Fáil Senator Ned O’Sullivan said Labour would, as Seán Lemass had once said, go with anyone.

“It is like Mother Machree’s dog: it would go a bit of the road with anyone,’’ he added.

Mr Humphreys said Labour usually had to go into government to fix Fianna Fáil’s mess.