Strong case for retention of Seanad

I am concerned deeply that the Government is recommending the abolition of Seanad Éireann.

It would be much more progressive to reform that House to make it more accountable and representative, and thus enhance our democracy. A reformed Senate might give opportunities to promote the views of all our people, our diaspora, as well as providing a democratic platform for many aspects of social life, including family organisation, schooling, religion, crime and punishment, technology, political organisation, patriarchy, environmental concerns – to mention a handful.

As a democracy approaching its centenary, we should not be seduced by the piffling savings projected by bureaucratic bean-counters.

Rather, we might note well the words of Gandhi — “because power resides in the people, they can only lose it by relinquishing their own power”.

Cllr Joe Conway

Roselawn

Tramore