Parties propose reform but seeing will be believing

AFTER a devastating economic collapse that stripped people of their faith in politics, it’s no surprise that the parties have recognised the need for substantial reform.

Hence, the three main parties all launched substantive documents on the issue yesterday. There are plenty of sensible proposals, and a few eye-catching ones, contained within. But the key test, as always, will be whether the parties deliver on their promises after the election. If they do, the Seanad, for starters, looks like a goner.

As things stand, Fine Gael and Labour are most likely to form the next government. Both favour the abolition of the Seanad, believing it no longer serves any useful purpose. Because the Seanad is provided for in the Constitution, a referendum would be required to abolish it. Given the current mood, it’s unlikely the public would vote to retain it.