May the 32nd Dáil allow free votes for TDs

I agree with those who insist Dail reform should be a number one priority before a government is formed, and I suggest reform of the draconian whip system should be to the forefront.

I saw an instance of this back in 1993 when I was campaigning for a ban on hare coursing. The late Deputy Tony Gregory had tabled a Private Members Bill to outlaw the blood sport.

Of the 165 TDs (not counting the Ceann Comhairle) we estimated, on the basis of replies from TDs, 64 would vote for abolition, and 57 would vote against.

The others, who had never declared their position on the issue, and had not replied to any of our correspondence, could have voted either way, or abstained. But at least there was a reasonable chance Deputy Gregory would have succeeded if a free vote had been allowed by all parties.

Instead, the two government parties at the time, Fianna Fail and Labour, and the opposition party, Fine Gael, whipped their TDs into voting down the Bill. Only the smaller parties, The Progressive Democrats and the Democratic Left, allowed a free vote, and a few independents also voted as they wished.

The result was a Bill that commanded widespread cross-party support was shot down in flames. It lost by 104 votes to 16. I was in the visitor’s galley and will never forget the shameful scene that unfolded: The Bill’s backers took only seconds to pass through the division gate, while the whipped opponents of the proposed legislation took minutes, and I noticed that some of them had their heads bowed.

I hope the 32nd Dail will witness free votes.

John Fitzgerald

(Campaign for the Abolition Of Cruel Sports)

Callan

Co. Kilkenny