Higgins for Seanad

I was sorry to hear that Joe Higgins had lost his seat. Even if one disagrees with his political views, one cannot deny that he was a committed parliamentarian and devoted to the plight of the disadvantaged.

The Oireachtas is a pathetically feeble institution when it comes to holding the executive to account.  In fact, the Dáil is so toothless that often it resembles a meeting of the governing party and no more. In this regard, Mr. Higgins stood out as one who always challenged the executive for failing the constituencies that he represented. He fought to keep alive the debate about inequality and disadvantage, issues which are all too real for a significant minority of our citizens.  Sadly the contented majority have turned their back on those, including Mr Higgins, who represent the voiceless.

Those who dare to mention poverty in an age of plenty have been silenced, and that indeed is a sad development in Irish politics.

If Mr Ahern were magnanimous in his victory and if he placed any value on the role of parliament and the necessity for dissent, he could, as a gesture appoint Mr Higgins to the Seanad.  Mr Ahern, what do you say?