Madam, – I would have hoped that somebody of John Robb’s stature and experience would have had a better knowledge of the democratic framework of this State (June 16th).
Unlike the UK and Northern Ireland we have a written Constitution which sets out clearly when and how the people are consulted.
Article 46.2 of Bunreacht na hÉireann states “Every proposal for an amendment of this Constitution shall be initiated in Dáil Éireann as a Bill, and shall upon having been passed or deemed to have been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, be submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people in accordance with the law for the time being in force relating to the Referendum.” It does not limit or restrict in any way the number or frequency of such referendums. It does not refer to France or the Netherlands, it does not even refer to the EU. It sets out a balanced and fair procedure where changes to the Constitution are for the people but are referred by the politicians.
This method has been upheld by our Supreme Court. If the politicians wish to have 10 referendums on one topic they are free to do so, however the political consequences of such an approach might be interesting.
European treaties are not the only questions to be subjected to successive referendums. The proportional representation system, divorce and abortion have all had numerous votes.
If people are unhappy with holding successive votes on the same issue they should express this at the subsequent general election. There is little evidence that they are.
Our Constitution is an important document and every referendum held is done in accordance with it. The referendum is a form of direct governance according to Justice McCarthy in the Crotty case. The people take a direct role in the governance of the State. If they feel they should not be asked successive questions then they can simply stick with their original vote.
Who could possibly object to this? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – As an announcement by Government of a date for the holding of “Lisbon 2” appears imminent, could I respectfully suggest that in the interests of expediency and honesty a provisional date be fixed for “Lisbon 3”as well. – Yours, etc,