Government slammed over Seanad in debate

The Government was accused of shutting down alternative voices in RTÉ’s showcase TV debate on the future of the Seanad.

The Prime Time contest between Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael’s Richard Bruton saw the two argue over the merits of keeping or abolishing the upper house.

Mr Bruton said politics needed to do more with less and come into line with best practice in countries like Sweden and Denmark. The measure would also save €20m, he claimed.