Sir, – The recent proposals for reform of the Seanad leave 13 senators to be appointed by entities that already wield significant power – political parties.
Is the time not ripe to finally make use of the unlocked potential of Article 19 of the Constitution and make provision for the direct election of senators by “functional or vocational group or association or council”?
The bodies to appoint such senators could be selected from across civil society and on a rotating basis. This would enable greater direct access to the Oireachtas for those involved with specific aspects of our society, allowing them to choose the best representatives to place their concerns and reforms directly on the political agenda. It could give a voice to those with specialist knowledge, or those who can never assemble the critical mass to elect their own representatives under the current political system.
The judicious use of Article 19 would prevent the new Seanad becoming a mirror of the Dáil and provide another, alternative avenue by which ordinary citizens could connect to the Oireachtas. – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN FITZPATRICK,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – I object to the reform proposal whereby the political “elite” would continue to have a special privilege in securing 13 Seanad seats for their ilk. I believe it is undemocratic and demonstrably self-serving. – Yours, etc,
D O’SHEA,
Cork.