Sir, – The Seanad, as it stands, is broken. It is undemocratic, hamstrung and irrelevant to the majority of voters. However, when things are broken, it’s usually best to try fix them first before you bin them – especially in these tight times.
The proposals put forward by Senators Feargal Quinn and Katherine Zappone (Home News, May 13th) show that there is a real alternative to abolishing the Seanad. Their proposals, in one fell swoop, would allow everyone a vote in Seanad elections and a greater place for women in Irish politics, among other positive reforms.
As the referendum on Seanad abolition comes into the focus, I hope the debate will consider not just how the Seanad has failed in many regards, but also the potential a reformed Seanad offers our democracy. – Yours, etc,
MARK PHILLIPS,
Custom House Square,
IFSC, Dublin 1.
A chara, – It is somewhat confusing to read that several past and present members of the so-called “elected” Seanad are zealous in their rush to defend its political usefulness, proposing radical reform, while so many reports on real change gathered dust down the years.
Have they been converted while its political noose is being crafted in the lower house and put forward as reform?
The truth is there is room for a Seanad, it could be reformed but we cannot afford it. I propose we keep a much smaller remodelled version, democratically elected, but with no pay and no expenses. Then we’ll have the benefits without the costs and no need for complex constitutional change or a referendum. Upfront savings of €20 million and ongoing annual savings of several more. – Yours, etc,
LIAM McGOWAN,
Woodlands,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.