A chara, – As the composition of the 31st Dáil has finally been resolved and as the defeated Dáil candidates and out-going Senators decide on whether to look for a seat in the 24th Seanad, the first opportunity for reform of the upper house, in this new era of change, presents itself.
To date, the Seanad has been used as a nursery or retirement home for TDs.
Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe’s website states that he represents the constituency of Dublin Central in the Seanad, Labour’s Senator Michael McCarthy describes himself as an “Oireachtas member for Cork South-West”, and on its website, Fianna Fáil lists its Senators and their Dáil constituencies.
No public representative should style him/herself as a constituency representative in the Seanad. The Seanad doesn’t have constituencies.
Bunreacht na hÉireann specifies that the panels are for “persons having knowledge and practical experience” in the relevant area. Party policies heretofore specify that Senators have electability in a future Dáil election, or name recognition from a previous Dáil.
If the parties calling for reform believe that TDs shouldn’t be asked to fix potholes, then Senators shouldn’t either. Intent to run in a future Dáil election doesn’t qualify one as a representative of a constituency in the Seanad.
Changing the Seanad does not necessarily need legislation/referendums. It needs a change of mindset. – Is mise,
Madam, – Am I wrong or naive in thinking the Senate is supposed to consist of people who are outstanding in some particular area, and who can contribute their expertise to the good governance of our country?
I was not aware that it should be a nursery for future Fianna Fáil TDs. Terry Leydon’s whine about his seat, sums up, still, the Fianna Fáil ethos that “loyalty” means to their leader, their party and their whip (“Martin faces ageism charge as Senators dig their heels in”, Home News, March 2nd). Conscience or country never seem to figure. Alas! – Yours, etc,