Sir, – Political reform was a stated objective of all the political parties during the last general election; some have opted for the Seanad to be abolished and others are of the opinion that it can be reformed. We have been promised a referendum as to its future.
The present institution cannot be viewed as democratic and representative of current Irish society: we have politicians being nominated by politicians to be elected by politicians and all other citizens are denied participation in the process.
The retention of a Second House, as it is currently constituted, cannot be allowed to continue. It has either to be abolished or reformed.
A “reformed house” should enshrine the following objectives: 1. Reform must not be a response to political expediency. 2. Reform must secure a long-term sensible objective. 3. The institution must be fit for purpose. 4. The institution must be democratic and representative of current Irish society. 5. Reform must ensure representation based on equality. 6. Reform must not create differentiations between individuals and groups in a category. 7. The institution should provide a forum to give voice for the good governance of the Irish nation outside of party politics.
Are we asking too much of our politicians – they are the people who will make the decision on what should be done? Can we expect them to take the initiative which, for many of them, would be akin to asking turkeys to vote for Christmas? – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL MORONEY PhD,
Delgany Wood,
Delgany,
Co Wicklow.