Why no more talk of reforming the Seanad?

Referenda and elections take me back to my college days and, in particular, college house parties.

Everybody who is anybody on campus turns up at them, especially the big parties.

These important persons have their fun, share their opinions, and make their drunken promises to everybody at the party. The next day, however, when the hard work of tidying the house is to be done, these same friends and their promises aren’t around.

Early last month, we had an election on whether to abolish the Seanad or to keep it; the ‘no side’ won.

As yet, we haven’t heard a single word on the reformed Seanad the politicians promised us.

Where are the senators who fought so well to save the Seanad?

Where are the Fianna Fáil politicians who nudged us to vote ‘no’? Policymakers purposely ignore public opinion, but surely a democratic state is based on it.

Meanwhile, the Seanad still needs reforming, because it remains an ineffective and expensive government building. And we deserve much more.

Chris Callaghan

Ramelton

Co Donegal