‘No’ vote on Seanad will not ensure reform

Opponents of abolition say the Seanad is necessary and should be reformed. But where is the guarantee that promised reform will materialise after a ‘no’ vote?

The Irish electorate has been promised Seanad reform many times before. We even previously had a referendum. In 1979, the Irish people, by 92%, approved the Seventh Amendment, which allowed the university franchise to be expanded to include other third-level institutions. In the 34 years since then, has the university franchise been expanded? There have been numerous reports on Seanad reform. The most recent, in 2004, made many suggestions, including that half the Seanad should be elected by the people. Has this suggestion been implemented yet?

If, after three decades, the political establishment won’t expand the university franchise, what realistic hope is there for more radical reform?

The danger of voting ‘no’ is that reform may not happen and the Seanad will continue in its current form. This autumn, I will have my first vote on the Seanad. I sincerely hope, with your assistance, that it will also be my last.

Jason Fitzharris

Swords

Co Dublin