Do not knock them totally. You might want to be in government with them.

Careful now. I know that we are talking about your lovers on this side but just calm down.

The Senator is over time. She is testing my indulgence.

I will finish on this, a Chathaoirligh, and thank you. We saw the same behaviour from Fianna Fáil only a number of weeks ago when it failed to support our motion to give voting rights to Irish citizens living in the North and the diaspora. I am still looking out for the new politics we were promised.

Fianna Fáil is keeping Sinn Féin awake at night.

Ciúnas, le do thoil. Perhaps a quiet word in the Senator's neighbour's ear in Belmullet might do the trick.

Since Sinn Fein embraced democracy in the recent past, it has come up with some very good ideas.

A little like Fianna Fáil. Remember it had the guns under its oxters.

When it comes up with good ideas, we do our best to facilitate them.

On Senator Keith Swanick's Bill, having an annual celebration of the anniversary of when we declared this to be an independent republic is an excellent proposal. We are not seeking to have the day classified as a bank holiday because that would place an extra burden on employers who have to foot the bill for bank holidays. We are saying it would be an opportunity for schools and other institutions to celebrate an important part of our history. Regardless of from where the idea comes, if it is a good one, it should be followed.

Vote for it; do not abstain.

I am not familiar with the legislation to which the Senator refers. It was a matter dealt with in the Lower House. We are dealing with legislation that has been brought forward by our colleague in this House and look forward to receiving the support of Sinn Féin for it.

Why was the other legislation not supported?

Can we avoid party politics?