Udarás members should be directly elected, not appointed

Following a protracted campaign during the seventies, which involved the Gaeltacht Civil Rights organisation, students from UCC, Cumann an Chadhnaigh, many Gaeltacht and cultural bodies and organisations around the country, the government of the day granted a democratically elected Údarás to the Gaeltacht.

It has made a huge difference to what is most certainly a peripheral region. Prior to that, there had been a government-appointed body, which was not very successful.

Most Gaeltacht people would have no problem with the idea of reducing the number of members on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, given the financial crisis, and holding the election on the same day as any national plebiscite, for example, the upcoming referendum on children’s rights. Any extra cost would be minimal and only incurred once in five years.

Reverting to a failed formula defies logic when a successful formula is in place. As most people know, people who are appointed are subject to those who appoint them. If one is elected democratically, one is responsible to the public. I find it difficult to understand why democracy could be denied in this situation seeing that it has proved to be a success.

Why in the name of goodness is the Government so blinkered as to try to impose a senseless, silly mish-mash when, at no extra cost, they can have the good work continue with an elected board?

This is a wake-up call to all who cherish democracy and decency. We hope the Government will see the light before we are engulfed in sordid appointments for the boys and a further step into the quango fraternity.

What the Government is now offering is a 12-member appointed board, five to come from county councils and seven to be appointed by the minister of the day. Dia idir sinn agus an anachain.

Breandán Mac Gearailt

Founder of Gaeltacht Civil Rights in Kerry Gaeltacht

Márthain

Co Chiarraí