Madam, - Your editorial, "University Senators" (June 19th), rightly criticises the lack of enfranchisement of third-level graduates other than those of the NUI and TCD. However, the argument presented was one-sided.
The Seanad has indeed become the weak link in the Oireachtas, not because of the university senators per se - as was clearly implied - but much more because of the method of electing the remaining senators. Forty-three senators on the vocational panels are elected by a minuscule 1,100 people (county councillors, TDs and outgoing senators), and 11 senators are nominated by one person, the taoiseach. Thus, the reality is that 54 senators, the majority, are tightly controlled by political party forces and cannot, without fear of political chastisement, debate independently.
Thus the real weakness of the Seanad lies not in the elitism of the university seats per se but in the fact that the majority of senators are weak mirror images of their bosses in the lower house because of the method of election.
The people, not politicians or elite graduates, must be involved in electing a Seanad. Article 19 of the Constitution, whereby vocational groups, councils or associations could directly elect representatives needs to be brought to life and reconsidered. But again this would need to be broadened to cater for modern Irish society. The six university seats could then, perhaps, become the educational panel.
Lastly, John Waters (June 25th) lays the blame for non-reform of the Seanad squarely on the shoulders of politicians.
Why does he forget that the media shape public opinion too? He writes "Alas, here I go again", meaning it is five years since he last wrote about Seanad reform. Well, what took him so long? He cannot have his cake and eat it. The media need to play an active and continuous part in calling for Seanad reform - and not just every five years. - Yours, etc,
VALERIE BRESNIHAN,
Woodbine Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
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A chara, - John Waters (June 25th) has criticised the Seanad as being undemocratic and elitist. It can be argued, however, that senators representing the university constituencies usually play positive roles.
Deaglán de Bréadún, (June 23rd) highlighted the fact that many unsuccessful Dáil candidates contend for election to the Upper House through the various panels. Politicians listed as seeking those Seanad seats include many local councillors. Would they not be better engaged finishing the work for which they were elected to city and county councils? - Is mise,
TONY QUINN,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
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A Chara, - I refer to the correspondence in your letters page today (June 26th) covering the Seanad election. Could I respectfully suggest that we save all this nonsense and consign this body to where it belongs - in the scrapheap. - Yours, etc,
PAUL DORAN,
Monastery Walk,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.