THE OUTCOME of local, European and Dáil byelections, to be held today, could have dramatic consequences for the established political order of this State and mark a shift towards greater democratic accountability. It is hugely important that electors turn out to vote and select the best available candidates.
Opinion polls suggest that Fianna Fáil will take a beating in these elections. But anger with the Coalition Government because of the disastrous economic situation should not blind the electorate to the ability and integrity of individual candidates. Reform and fresh blood is needed at all levels, most especially in local government.
Opposition parties have concentrated their campaigns on rising unemployment and falling living standards and encouraged voters to vent their anger at the polling stations. That is the stuff of politics. But it does not address issues underlying the local and European elections and the disconnect that exists between the public, their elected representatives and senior administrators. Two Dublin byelections will affect Dáil numbers but the results are unlikely to pose an immediate threat to the Government.
Concern about the accuracy of voting registers remains, in spite of commitments going back over three years to transfer responsibility for their compilation from local authorities to an electoral commission. Before the general election of 2007, levels of inaccuracy had reached scandalous proportions. The latest official report, from last year, suggests that reform may be delayed until after the next Dáil election. A small number of votes can decide the outcome of seats, particularly in local elections, making this cavalier approach unacceptable.
The jailing of Frank Dunlop for corruption and the venal behaviour of many councillors who ignored planning guidelines and rezoned land in return for financial favours provides a stark backdrop to the local elections. Young people have become alienated by a general failure to confront corruption at all levels. On this occasion, adults can give a lead by voting only for those candidates who have unblemished records in terms of planning decisions. We all have a responsibility.
Speculation is growing that the leadership of Brian Cowen may be threatened if Fianna Fáil does particularly badly. A challenger is unlikely to emerge in advance of the planned Lisbon referendum and an autumn budget. Notwithstanding that, if Fine Gael fulfils its potential and becomes the largest party in local government; and the Labour Party makes considerable advances to surpass Fianna Fáil in support and Fianna Fáil finds itself in third place in the national vote, the shape of Irish politics could undergo fundamental change.
More than three million people will be entitled to vote at a time when public attention has become sharply focussed on the effectiveness and transparency of our political system. A vote represents real power in a democracy. Use it.