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Doherty slates "elitist" Seanad
18.03.09
A DONEGAL senator has
described his place of work as "elitist and
outdated" and an institution many see as
"irrelevant". Also describing the Seanad as
"outdated", Senator Pearse Doherty said Government
and Opposition proposals for reform of the Upper
House don't go far enough.
“The Government needs to take the bull by the horns
and reform theSeanad. Tweeking at the edges will not
suffice," he said.
"The reality is, that the Seanad is elitist,
undemocratic, outdated and, in the minds of many,
irrelevant." |
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He said many senators
were outraged last year at the idea that the Seanad
chamber would be relocated to the National Museum
during planned refurbishments of the existing
chamber.
"It is my view that that is exactly were the current
model of the Seanad should be located permanently.
It is outdated and despite a dozen reports on Seanad
reform since1937 and a constitutional referendum
thirty years ago this year, no Government has the
political will to reform the Seanad to a second
chamber of parliament that can provide a meaningful
role in |
parliamentary affairs
in the 21st Century."
Sinn Féinhas argued for a Seanad that is directly
elected by the people of Ireland and of its citizens
abroad. The party has called for a Seanad that
represents diverse views increases the role of
community consultation as legislation is being
drafted.
"Senators need to take a hard long look at
themselves and not protect a chamber that does not
reach its full potential in today’s Ireland.
"It's time for bold action and real leadership from
this Government if they want to do more than, once
again, pay lip-service to real Seanad reform," added
Senator Doherty. |
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