Officers of the court and Seanad legitimacy
Craughwell added county sheriffs to the list of court officers needing protection, and the Leader defended the Seanad's democratic legitimacy by citing his own election result.
The Leader might add to that the officers of the court such as the county sheriffs.
Comment on this
Absolutely, also the officers of the court.
I agree with Senator McDowell that it is important to recognise that we are Members of the Upper House and democratically elected. Under the Constitution and rules of engagement, Members of the Seanad are required to be available to sit on the joint committees of the Houses. Senator McDowell secured 5,661 votes. I can tell the Deputy who mentioned it that I received 6,419, which is 11.5% of the vote in my constituency in the last election. Many Members here got more than I did.