Sir, - It is usually best to ignore John Waters's opinions, but I would like to respond to his outpouring of June 17th.
I am the feminist with whom he recently debated equality on a radio show, and whom he attacks in his column for running in the Dublin University Seanad election. He suggests that, as an equality campaigner, I have a "brass neck" to run for election to such a useless and undemocratic institution as the Seanad.
In fact, I am campaigning in the election on a platform that includes structural reform of the Seanad. I think it is wrong that the Taoiseach should be entitled to nominate 11 senators; I oppose the system whereby only TDs, outgoing senators and county councillors may vote for 43 out of 60 senators. I think that the principle of direct election applying to the six university seats should be extended to the panels, and that the structure of the panels themselves should be reviewed. I believe, for example, that the votes of Irish citizens resident abroad could be very effectively represented in an upper house.
If changes such as these were made, the Seanad would be better placed to fulfil its vital, twofold democratic function. Firstly, it can and should provide a forum for political interests and minority groups that are not adequately represented in the main house. Secondly, in every parliamentary democracy there is a need for a second review of legislative proposals before enactment, by an upper house or equivalent body such as the Seanad.
Few would deny that both the Dáil and Seanad require substantial institutional change to be more effective; but I believe that those of us who campaign for equality have a duty to further that campaign through existing democratic structures, however imperfect. - Yours, etc.,
IVANA BACIK,
Law School,
Trinity College,
Dublin 2.