Insidious centralisation of power

The forthcoming referendum on the abolition of the Seanad illustrates Ireland’s insidious politics.

There is no doubt that the Seanad is in dire need of reform; even current senators admit as much. Yet the Government, in its determination to centralise power in the Dáil, is refusing to consider reforming the Upper House.

The proposal being put to the people is a stark choice between abolishing the Seanad or retaining it in its current form.