Some 30 years ago I initiated the first Independent Group with my colleague, former Senator Joe O'Toole. We were entirely university Members at that stage. After the last election I tried to put together a larger group because there were so many Independents but Senator Alice-Mary Higgins and Senator Lynn Ruane, with some others, formed a separate group. We then had a meeting. I was elected leader and given the foreign affairs portfolio. Senator McDowell introduced two new members and suggested that since they were new members we should re-run the election. This we did today, and I put myself forward again. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell got six votes, I got two and Senator Craughwell got one. I regarded this as a vote of no confidence.

Does the Senator really need to inform the House of that?

I think so.

With respect, that is hardly a matter for the Order of Business.

We must have transparency in everything.

I take Senator Reilly's point very much to heart.

No, hold on. The Chair will rule, Senator.

I regarded this as a vote of no confidence-----

It is not relevant, Senator. It might be interesting-----

-----and, as a result, I have resigned my position in the Independent Group.

You can read about it tomorrow.

This also means I will forfeit my position on the foreign affairs committee. Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell is unique in having been nominated for a second time by the Taoiseach and she has been a stirring voice in this House. I wish her and the group well.

I also disagreed with the group in putting forward a Bill about Seanad reform that contained some good measures but that was concocted by a group of lawyers and would lead inevitably to the extinction of the Trinity seat and opening it up to 1 million voters. I will, therefore, be the only independent Independent when my former group has notified the office of this. Le roi est mort, vive la reine, but I remain father of the House.

I am sure you will do well, Senator.