Bumper election planned as four ballots may run at once

VOTERS are set for a second bumper election day in two years with the Government signalling its desire to run at least four separate ballots together later this year.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin said there were two by-elections, a mayoral vote in Dublin and two referenda on the agenda.

And, despite the Government getting pummelled from all sides during the European, local and by-election deciders last year, she said it made sense to organise another all-in-one runoff.

This approach will thwart attempts to hold a mayoral election in Dublin this June because she said no decision on running the children’s referendum is likely before the autumn.

“We would anticipate with the election for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the two by-elections, in Donegal and Dublin South, and possibly also at least one constitutional referendum, because the committee on the children has yet to finally report.

“We have also promised in the programme for Government there would be a constitutional referendum on a court of civil appeal. So all of those should probably take place, if they are to take place, around the same time and that certainly won’t be until the back end of the year,” she said.

However, Ms Hanafin told RTÉ’s The Week in Politics that no final decision had been made to hold any of the votes in 2010.

It would be the most cost-effective approach for election organisers and campaigners.

The by-elections will be in Donegal South West, for the seat vacated by the now MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher, and in Dublin South, for the seat vacated by the recently-elected – and resigned – George Lee. The Oireachtas committee on the constitutional referendum on children is due to publish its findings this week.

And last week Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the Government was also considering an amendment to the Constitution to expand the recognition of women’s work in the home. This would cover all parents. He also signalled a willingness to seek Constitutional permission to establish a court of appeal to ease pressure on the Supreme Court.