FG TD believes Ireland does not need 'elitist' Seanad

Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris, has said it is pointless to call for reform of the Seanad.

Mr Harris said the upper house is "elitist" and that Ireland does not need a second chamber given the size of our population.

A referendum on whether or not the Seanad should be abolished will take place in just under a months' time.

The Wicklow/East Carlow TD said the debate should not focus on "buzz words" used by those who oppose the abolition.

He said: "What is reform? I am getting really sick and tired of hearing this buzzword 'reform' being thrown around.

"Let me give you an example. In 2004, senators from all political parties sat down and said 'let's reform the Seanad'.

"You know what they come up with? A proposal to increase the number of senators by five, to keep the elitist university panel and they decided that they'd give the Taoiseach an extra nominee to further strengthen the Government."

Fianna Fail Councillor, Jim O'Callaghan said while the phrase reform is being abused, there is a way to improve the upper house.