Voting independent will give us a break from the party whip system

As I write we don’t know the date of the election. Still, the media are full of candidates’ names and, based on these, pundits are forecasting ‘results’ in different constituencies.

A common mantra underlying the forecasts is that stable government is a necessity for every democracy.

Stable government — when examined — means the use of the party whip to ensure that TDs vote in line with party orders, often against their own consciences.

On this logic, voting for independents would cause chaos and instability.

Yet, there is nothing wrong with the idea of a government formed of independents. If enough of them presented themselves for election to gain a majority of seats in the Dáil, they could form a government without whips.

The ‘chaos’ that would ensue would be a breath of fresh air.

The new style of government would introduce legislation that could be voted on freely and according to conscience.

If, because of the free vote, some of it was defeated, it would not be the end of the world.

The government would remain in place and try again.

It was the independents, the rebels, and the mavericks who lit up the 31st Dáil with their powerful words and actions.

It is time for other independent minded candidates to enter the race in every constituency and give a voice to the many who have no stomach to vote for the wreckers of the country, either past or present.

Justin Morahan

Scholarstown Park

Dublin 16