Two years ago the people were given an opportunity to deliver a resounding kick to the posterior of this House. They were urged to do so by almost all of the main political parties, with the exception of my own, Fianna Fáil, but did not take the opportunity. Less than 18% of the population felt this House should be abolished. One would imagine that, as a result, the media would have some respect for us. I have always been a subscriber to the maxim of Benjamin Disraeli who advised his colleagues, in the context of media comment, never to complain and never to explain. However, an article in today's edition of The Irish Times takes the biscuit. I am not sure if my colleagues have read it, but it is the most po-faced, cynical article I have ever read about this House. I will highlight just one aspect of the piece. The columnist suggests those Senators who live more than 150 km from the House make the round trip every day.

Come on.

Yes. That would mean a round journey of approximately 200 miles a day. Given that many of us spend five full days in Dublin, it would amount to travelling 1,000 miles a week. Would the columnist be willing to travel 1,000 miles a week to clock in to receive his salary? The net salary for most of us is under €40,000 per year. I am breaking my own golden rule about never commenting on the media, but this article takes the biscuit. I ask the Leader to ensure the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission or some other entity will answer it.