Seanad: Balance needed between competing demands

It was good to hear of late that long overdue proposals for Dáil reform are to be published shortly, but it is puzzling that they should only be published now, just as we are being asked to make a serious decision on the future of the Seanad.

As in all areas of our governance, requisite Oireachtas and local government reform is urgently needed in regard to the extent of political representation we can or should afford ourselves. Any reform should be considered in the context of the modes, extent, and ease of access to communication with our elected representatives and sources of political decision-making.

Fifty, 90 or 100 years ago such communication was slower and less extensive than nowadays, eg newspapers, radio, bicycle, horse and trap, ‘shanks mare’ cars, postal, public meetings, ‘Mass meetings’ etc, whereas nowadays we are ‘blessed’ with an abundance of instantaneous communication with said entities.

By all accounts, Dáil procedures and committees need to be more efficient, prompt and inclusive of relevant expert opinion. We certainly need robust local political representation to watch over our money — now that we are paying local taxes.

Surely a more democratic and reformed Seanad could act as part of the checks and balances within our democracy. The problem for politicians as always, is seeking a balance between competing demands.

Eddie McGurrin

Hazelwood

Sligo