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.

I suspect this is an attempt by the Government to take advantage of the public’s disillusionment with the Seanad, and to increase support for the abolition amendment. In the absence of a true democratic choice with regard to the Seanad, I believe we should opt for the safest course of action and reject its abolition.

Especially when one considers the proposal that was mooted briefly last week, whereby a group of ‘experts’ — handpicked by the Government — would replace the Seanad. Even though that proposal appears to have been abandoned, the fact that it was even discussed is a disturbing development. Such centralisation of legislative and executive power, in an ever-decreasing number of individuals, is a serious threat to healthy democracy. Retaining the Seanad is important for democracy in the State. Once we have ensured its existence, it must be reformed to make it fit for purpose. If this Government was truly interested in political reform, that is the task they would be undertaking, instead of attempting to remove one of the more important safeguards in our system.

Simon O’Connor

Crumlin

Dublin 12