McDowell: Elite want to destroy Seanad

A campaign group advocating a reform of Seanad Éireann rather than its abolition has said that the removal of the upper house would silence dissenting voices, limit debate, and amount to a “power grab” for the Government.

Democracy Matters said yesterday it wants voting rights for electing Seanad members to be given to the diaspora and a gender quota for electing female politicians.

The campaign launch comes as the Cabinet is scheduled to discuss, later today, its plans to abolish the Seanad.