‘Moving’ parliaments a boost for democracy
The 1920 Better Government of Ireland Act, set up both Irish parliaments and I emphasise both Irish. While forbidding members to be elected to both, it nevertheless enjoined all ministers of either parliament to sit and debate in the other at will but not to vote. That means Dáil ministers also speaking in Stormont.
It would be much more productive to adopt this open, co-operative approach instead of the expensive 'cross-border authorities with executive powers,' which are lacking in transparency beyond what civil servants may tell us.
The 1920 Act also allowed both Irish parliaments to move away from Dublin or Belfast, since endorsed by Clause 15 in the Irish Constitution of 1937.
The Government is now availing of Clause 15 by holding meetings occasionally outside Dublin.
In 2001, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern informed the Irish Parliament Trust that this policy would continue.
A day out for the Dáil at suitable venues would give great heart to the struggle to get the suspended Northern Assembly off the ground.
It would greatly reduce the murderous tensions still pervading Belfast if the Assembly also met for a day in a provincial city or town and another step towards the idea of the shared neutral site for two free-franchise parliaments.
That device is now commonplace worldwide in countries left with the same problems by the departing empires of Old Europe
The way forward must be shared equally by North and South. It should not have to await word from hidden bands of armed men as to what they want to do next.
Paddy McGarvey
Director
Irish Parliament Trust
9 Bishop Way
Cambridge
England
