Judicial independence and Seanad abolition
Senator Norris calls for debate on austerity, judicial independence and the possible abolition of the Seanad, arguing that constitutional checks on Government power must be preserved.
It is a very serious matter. Mr. Chopra has said himself that austerity does not work. It is not working and it is driving the people down. We should join a coalition of the southern European states and take the big boys on. We should not let Germany win the third world war. It is utterly wrong and shameful that we should go back. It is perhaps appropriate on the day of Mrs. Thatcher's funeral - I do not approve-----
Comment on this
Yes, I have. Can we have a debate on the most important matter facing the country? We are reverting to Thatcherism. She said what she is quoted to have said. I have heard it and seen it. She said there is no such thing as society and it is only an economy, which is what our friends in the EU are telling us.
It is regrettable that there should be such a clear conflict between the Judiciary and the Government and we should have a debate on the matter. There is an appalling article in one of the low-bred rags, which the editor has accompanied by a picture of a grossly fat person in a library, who is supposed to be a judge. The editorial states that judges constitute a fat-cat elite and are overpaid, over-protected and wholly immersed in their own inflated sense of worth and entitlement. I cannot think of a better description of that gentleman and some of his colleagues.
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It is not personal, although there is nothing to say it should not be. I did not name anybody.
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With the greatest of respect, it is very important for the House to consider the matter. If the Taoiseach has his way and abolishes the Seanad, there will be no brake on the Government. It will be able to do what it likes at the touch of a button and make mayhem out of the judges.
I agree with Senator Bacik and was very pleased that nearly 80% of people at the Constitutional Convention showed common sense and decency. I was disappointed not to be a part of it.