Getting it right

I agree with Jim Mack’s sentiment (Jul 9) that there should be fewer TDs, but I believe his proposed 80-100 is too low.

Getting it right

He bases his proposal on the system in Britain, which, like other countries with large populations, has around ten members of parliament per million. A more appropriate comparison is with populations comparable with ours, such as Finland, Denmark and Belgium, which need 30 or so members per million to fulfil all the functions of a parliament.

On this basis Ireland should have about 135 TDs, which, incidentally, is the number one would infer from the opening to Mr Mack’s letter, where he calls for a reduction of 30 members.

David Sowby

Knocksinna Crescent

Dublin 18

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited