Sinn Féin has set out a 15-point plan to reform politics, claiming the current system has failed the people and is unaccountable.
Party president Gerry Adams accused former governments of protecting their own interests as he unveiled proposals which he said will empower and uphold the rights of citizens.
He said fundamental political reform and the creation of a “21st century fit-for-purpose political system” is essential. “Sinn Féin wants to restore the trust of citizens in political institutions and the electoral system," he said.
On elections, the party wants the voting age cut to 16, automatic registration, weekend elections and voting rights extended to Irish citizens living and working abroad, and to people in the north for presidential elections.
It said a third of TDs should be elected from a list system and the remainder from seven-seat constituencies, while the overall number of TDs should be reduced.
Sinn Féin wants the Seanad abolished in its current form and a directly elected upper house created.
It wants Dáil sitting days increased, more investigative powers for committees and new impeachment laws to remove a TD convicted of corruption or deliberate misuse of public money.
Sinn Féin plans an all-Ireland forum to discuss proposals to amend the Constitution to form the basis for a future 32-county Republic. Mr Adams said such a change would be put to the people in referendum.
PA