Proposals for reform of Seanad face opposition and delays by senators

Proposals to reform the Seanad and significantly widen the election process for the upper house are expected to be opposed or delayed by senators.

Under the plans, Irish passport-holders here and abroad could vote in a new election process which would ultimately be paid for by senators themselves.

Independent Senator John Crown will bring the radical proposals to reform the upper house before his colleagues tomorrow. This is despite a commitment by the Government to hold a referendum on abolishing the Seanad this coming autumn.