To have an uncontested by-election is utterly and grossly undemocratic

Prior to the recent referendum on the abolition of the Seanad, we had senators jumping up and down pleading to the electorate for the retention of that chamber. 

In that debate it was generally acknowledged that the institution needed urgent reform but it’s abolition would be a retrograde step and a deficit to democracy. In their fear of the electorate supporting the Taoiseach’s proposed abolition option, Senators Zapone and Quinn amongst others put forward suggestions of Seanad reform.

The Irish electorate voted by a comfortable majority to retain the Seanad. In doing so, people expected that reform would be enacted during the term of the current Seanad. We are three years on from that referendum and it appears that senators have settled back into their comfort zone of reneging on any proposed reform of the institution.