Constitution should be amended to include role of conscience

Tomorrow the Dáil will have the opportunity to support what could be an epochal change in constitutional democracy. 

The ‘Parliamentary Representation and Conscience Bill’, a Private Members Bill tabled by Deputy Peter Mathews is scheduled for its second reading. It makes compelling sense.

Ireland’s legacy system of political representation is not remotely fit-for-purpose. Political principles tend to be a ‘movable feast,’ shaped by narrow political agendas rather than public interest. But the effectiveness of parties and political structures rests on something deeper.