Letters to the Editor: Draconian whip system in focus again as Green TDs disciplined

Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan defied the whip on the vote for the National Maternity Hospital. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The disciplining of two Green TDs for backing an opposition motion on the National Maternity Hospital has again focused attention on the role of the draconian whip system.

While one might justify the cracking of a proverbial whip to push an emergency measure or maybe a budget through the Dáil, this antiquated and oppressive method of coercing our elected representatives to toe the party line is a relic of another political era.