Seanad report:The penultimate sitting of the 22nd Seanad was marked by expressions of hope that the electorate would match the turnout of about 80 per cent in the recent first round of the French presidential election in the forthcoming general election.
Emphasising the importance of participation in the electoral process, John Dardis (PD), deputy Government leader in the House, said that he wanted to compliment everyone associated with the production of the recent parliamentary supplement in The Irish Times . "I thought it articulated extremely well the work that is done within both Houses and the importance of them, which is taken for granted."
Liam Fitzgerald, who recently resigned the Fianna Fáil whip, announced that he would not be standing again for election to the Upper House.
Maurice Hayes (Ind) said that it had been an enormous honour and privilege to serve in the Seanad at the nomination of the Taoiseach. Mr Ahern had agreed that he could be an independent voice. "I think that is a measure of the man and I would like to put that on the record."
David Norris (Ind) paid tribute to fellow Trinity member Mary Henry, who is retiring. She had added something special with her particular tone of voice, the reasonable manner in which she made her case and the dogged way in which she had pursued the necessity to have mental health reports debated.
Mr Norris said that it was going to be an interesting election. The Taoiseach had already shown his mettle. "I was struck by the couple of strokes that have emerged so far. I mean the effective gagging of the Mahon tribunal. They're nicely corked up now and I congratulate him on making a speech to the parliament in the next island. That was a nice little electoral dig-out by Mr Blair."
Don Lydon (FF) said he expected that there would be at least three Sinn Féin members in the next Seanad.
Leader of the House Mary O'Rourke said: "I came in here a bruised spirit and I am going out with a feeling of ebullience. I hope I shall not be back."
Ms O'Rourke is standing for the Dáil.