Sir, – "Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ruled out the prospect of allowing all citizens to vote in Seanad elections, saying it was not what the framers of the Constitution envisaged" (Stephen Collins, December 19th). What a silly justification of an arrogant position. The framers of the Constitution were men of their time, they are long dead and their time has passed. And there must be very few left who simply voted for it either, those who did are all over 98.
To my mind two things are essential for a reformed Seanad: every citizen of voting age should have a vote in its election and every citizen of voting age should be entitled to stand for election.
After that, everything about its election, composition, functions, powers and duties should be up for discussion. By all accounts the present Constitutional Council of 100 has been a success and, although I would not agree with all the recommendations it has made so far, I feel it would be the proper forum for this discussion.
Senator Zappone says (Home News, December 6th) that a simple legislative amendment could provide for direct elections to all of the 43 panel seats; if that is the case I echo her, “What is the delay?” – Yours, etc,
PN CORISH,
Oaklands Drive,
Rathgar, Dublin 6.