Sir, – There is no reality in Sinn Féin’s disingenuous (and, of course, populist) championing of a referendum on whether “the right to a home” should be inserted in our Constitution. Apart from the fact that it isn’t necessary, as effectively explained by Michael McDowell in his recent column in your paper (“Why on earth would we need a constitutional referendum on the right to housing?”, Opinion & Analysis, August 17th), it would leave the State open to claims for compensation by everyone without a home in the country. Such a scenario would bankrupt the State overnight. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD E McDONNELL,
Ardee,
Co Louth.
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Sir, – Tom McElligott (Letters, August 18th) begs to differ with your columnist Michael McDowell in relation to the latter’s claim that there is no constitutional impediment to the provision of affordable housing by public bodies. I, in turn, have to differ with Mr McElligott and refer him to the proposals of the Kenny Report in 1972/73 that local authorities should compulsorily purchase land for housing at a price set by previous use (eg agricultural) plus 25 per cent. The report includes a detailed examination of the constitutional issues and finds that, once the lands in question have been or are to be serviced at public expense, then the “common good” reasons set out in the Constitution would apply.
This view has never been legally challenged. There has never been the necessary political support to implement these 50-year-old recommendations in the face of opposition from vested interests. – Yours, etc,
ADRIAN CONWAY,
Kilcloon,
Co Meath.
Sir, – A right to housing in the Constitution? No problem. Just stick in the time-honoured phrase “so far as it is practicable” to ensure that any such amendment would have no practical effect. – Yours, etc,
MARY KEANE,
Dublin 8.
