FIANNA FÁIL PARTY leader Micheál Martin has said that this government has shown how a large majority in parliament “abuses its position” by pushing through legislation without proper debate.

Martin was speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, asserting that his party was not supporting the abolition of the Seanad because it will now place a lot of power with a small number of people.

Our manifesto very clearly says that we want a fundamental reform of how Ireland is governed.

Fianna Fáil would only support the abolition of the second house of parliament once this has happened, he said.

“We’ve seen how a government with a record majority abuses its position,” Martin continued, referring to the way in which the government “rammed through” the property tax and social welfare bills in the space of 24-hours. Martin claimed this did not allow for proper debate and prevented TDs from tabling amendments.

I would say this government has been excessive in its use of the guillotine.

“We’re now going to concentrate more and more power in the hands of a small group of ministers,” he said.

Read: Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil think-ins to conclude today>

Watch: Gerry Adams talks the Seanad, Dáil reform and Budget 2014>