From top: Michael McDowell launching his successful Seanad campaign at the Royal Irish Academy last month; Dr Rory Hearne
Politicians might publicly agree with Seanad reform yet their inaction shows that they want to keep the status quo.
Dr Rory Hearne writes:
Most people do not trust politicians or our political institutions of government like the Dáil and the Seanad.
Too many unfilfilled promises, a consistent failure to deal with the key issues affecting people, cronyism, corruption and a failure to respect ordinary people’s wishes and concerns have left people cynical and tired of politics.
This is a major problem for our democracy which is founded on the principle of ‘rule by the people and for the people’ – all the people and not just the elite, wealthy and insiders.
Take the Seanad, for example. The Seanad is the second most important institution in our democracy, next to the Dail. It is the upper house of the Oireachtas (the Irish legislature or houses of parliament).
It does not have anything like the powers of the Dáil but Senators are part of the important ‘watchdog’ Dail committees that investigate various issues and hold state and other authorities to account, like for example the recently formed housing and homeless committee.
The Seanad can also delay laws and propose amendments to laws.
Yet only a tiny proportion of our population can vote to elect Senators. Of the 60 seats in the Seanad, the Taoiseach appoints 11 Senators, three Senators are elected from registered NUI graduates, three Senators are elected from registered Trinity graduates and the remaining 46 are elected on various ‘panels’ from local councillors, TDs and Senators.
Last week the election was held for 49 of the 60 senators. Understandably given the lack of ability of people to vote in it, it received little attention. It was unfortunate though that there was not more critical analysis by the media of this undemocratic and elitist process.
We had a referendum on the Seanad in 2013. Remember? And a majority of Irish people voted to retain it and not to abolish it. They gave a clear message that they wanted it reformed to be given more powers and for all citizens to have a vote rather than abolished.
Furthermore, an all party Oireachtas working group on Seanad Reform 2015 concluded that
“a parliamentary assembly such as Seanad Éireann whose electoral system excluded the majority of its citizens from participation lacked popular legitimacy”
They recommended opening it up to all citizens to vote.
So why has it not been reformed and why have all citizens not yet being given a vote in the Seanad Elections?
From my recent experience as a candidate in the Seanad NUI colleges election the only conclusion I can draw is that the current system suits those in power and the traditional establishment parties.
They might publicly agree with reform and opening it up to make it democratic for all citizens yet their inaction shows that they want to keep the status quo. Of course it suits them – a new Taoiseach can use the existing system to appoint almost a fifth of all new Senators.
Shamefully it has been used by some failed politicians who actually campaigned against the Seanad as a route to re-election.
Unfortunately I was unsuccessful in my bid this time for election to the Seanad on the NUI panel. After getting 837 first pref votes (11 out of 30 candidates) I was eliminated on the 21st count with a final tally of 1451 votes. Former PD and long time supporter of inequality – Michael McDowell got elected as did the right wing conservative Ronán Mullen.
That these two topped the poll says a lot about those who voted in the election – a bastion of conservative views.
It also points to a major flaw when only a third of NUI graduates are actually on the electoral register and then only a third of those on the register actually voted!
So in the end only 10% of NUI graduates actually voted in the election.
Thankfully, the excellent progressive community activist Lynn Ruane got elected on the Trinity Panel while Alice Mary Higgins was elected on the NUI Panel. I know they will both be strong voices for social justice and equality in the Seanad.
While I was very disappointed not to get elected I am proud of how I used my campaign to raise some of the key social crises that are affecting people in this country – like the scandal that 1,900 children are homeless, rents are unaffordable for many, 138000 children are in poverty, almost 60% of lone parents and their children suffer deprivation.
I decided to run late in the game and I also had to balance running the campaign with looking after a very young family and a full time job. It’s clear to me that if you are going to successfully run for election then you need to have a lot more resources, people and time for your campaign.
Either way I will continue in whatever ways I can to raise these issues and develop solutions that can make Ireland the best country in the world in which to be a child, to have a family, to grow old in – the best country in which every person is valued equally and can live with dignity and flourish to their best potential.
Its a long road ahead but I know that a majority of us in this country want to bring about a Republic of Social Justice and Equality.
Finally, we clearly do not have a true democracy when the right to vote for representatives in our second house of parliament is restricted to a tiny proportion of the population. Another issue is citizen’s initiated referendums – which I will come back to again.
Before the next election our politicians and new government should demonstrate their genuine commitment to democracy
Providing for free and fair elections to the Seanad where the franchise (entitlement to vote) is extended to all Irish citizens over 18 including Irish citizens in Northern Ireland and to holders of Irish passports living overseas
A majority of Seanad seats to be elected by popular vote on the principle of one person one vote
Strengthen the powers of the Seanad to scrutinise, amend, and initiate legislation
Introduce citizen-initiated referendums
And we can judge the commitment to starting this process of real reform and democracy in how Enda Kenny uses his power (assuming he is re-elected as Taoiseach) in the next few weeks to appoint 11 new Senators.
Will he use it for patronage and reward for loyal Fine Gael servants or will he take a bold step and appoint diverse voices who represent the most marginalised in our society?
Voices for those with a disability (Tom Clonan?), Travellers (Brigid Quilligan?), the homeless (Peter McVerry or Erica Fleming?), marginalised communities (Rita Fagan or John Bissett?).
I won’t be holding my breath on this one….
Dr Rory Hearne is a policy analyst, academc, social justice campaigner. He writes here in a personal capacity. Follow Rory on Twitter: @roryhearne
Rollingnews
Sour grapes?
“Shamefully it has been used by some failed politicians who actually campaigned against the Seanad as a route to re-election.”
Can you name them please. No point you giving out about it Rory if you don’t tell us who the hypocrites are
Aodhan O’Riordain
Thank you Ahjayzis, you’re the bestest!
“a majority of us in this country want to bring about a Republic of Social Justice and Equality.”
but do we? Election just returned 2 conservative parties and fractured opposition.
Seanad NUI voters just elected 2 arch conservatives and 1 progressive.
Name recognition was the main feature.
Quite. It’s as meaningless a statement as “a majority of us in this country want nice things and don’t want not nice things.”
“It was unfortunate though that there was not more critical analysis by the media of this undemocratic and elitist process.”
And yet Mr. Hernia was very keen to take part in such an undemocratic and elitist process. Why?
#BringbackShatter.
One can take part and still push reform. I thought that was easy enough to figure out.
Thanks Clampers for pointing out the obvious. McDowell was also singing from the same hymn sheet.
Because if only people who support the undemocratic and elitist process take part, there will only be undemocratic and elitist people in a position to change it.
Enda Kenny used his Senead picks last time to nominate 7 independents. He also tried to get rid of the thing but we all decided to keep the politicians because we wanted to give the Govt a bloody nose rather than listen to arguments.
This time out because of the election I’d be surprised if the seats haven’t been given away to friends of friends. Necessity!!!!
If it exists it can be reformed, if it didn’t we’d have a Dail with increased powers – at a time when Kenny and his friends were wielding their majority like a cudgel – and nothing else. People didn’t really vote for retention as a stamp of approval on the system.
Everyone likes the word Reform or Progressive (hat tip Mercille) but most people are surprisingly vague or at best apple pie and cream about it.
The worst are those that get in and do SFA.
In regards to Aodhran O’Riordan, I know he doesn’t like the Senad but he was actually one of the most progressive ministers we’ve had in ages. If the Senead keep’s him in the public and gets him re-elected in a few years than I’m all for him doing it.
Paul Murphy is part of the Dail but doesn’t really believe in indirect democracy
I don’t believe in indirect democracy when it comes to what are laughingly called ‘elections’ either. Party stooges voting under orders for party stooges isn’t democratic in my book. We didn’t elect X party headquarters.
I’m quite open to ideas on reform, I’m not vague about the fact that I want universal suffrage in whatever way that can be delivered.
So basically, you want democracy without the compromise. Any functioning democracy works on give and take. It means no one get’s everything they want and the extremes are in check. Compromise isn’t a dirty word, otherwise we wouldn’t tell our children to share.
Essentially, your a type of sectarian socialist (not saying your a socialist) but you won’t work with someone who agrees with 90% of your policies and disagrees with the other 10%. That’s just absolutists nonsense
Wow, that’s a really hysterical reaction – was that meant as a reply to me? Have you skipped lunch?
I disagree with the electorate for the Seanad being made up of a select group of politicians, mostly following a party list supplied from on high. I disagree with graduates of only certain, almost arbitrarily selected degree courses having enhanced electoral enfranchisement when the rest of us don’t. And I disagree with a large minority being directly appointed by the Taoiseach.
And that makes me a ‘sectarian socialist’ for some reason? Right…
I had a lovely lunch thank you.
I’m responding to your “I don’t believe in indirect democracy when it comes to what are laughingly called ‘elections’ either. Party stooges voting under orders for party stooges isn’t democratic in my book. We didn’t elect X party headquarters.”
Walks like a duck, etc
Agree. What consitutes reform of the Seanad? We are a very small country , so a very strong second house would probably lead to a great deal of obstruction and time wasting. I suppose a ban on using the Seand to house all media darlings, ex- politicians and chharitttteeee grandees would be a good start. I voted to keep the Seanad and I regret that decision.
constitutes
+1
– look at Italy, where they have a strong upper house; the gridlock results in a general election every 24 months or so
Great
the seanad is populated by an élite who use it to keep themselves in their status as the élite. they understand the system because they created it, and because it suits them, it will never be reformed in any meaningful way
Actual democracy in this country continues to be a tantalizing illusion, stage managed, manipulated and PR’d to death. The fault is not with the electorate as some would have us believe, but we do have a duty to look beyond the spin and the crap, and many of us don’t take the trouble to do so. Have to say that I’m a sick of politicos and pundits constantly blaming the electorate for poor choices when they themselves have rigged the game AGAINST any neaningful input from citizens. The electorate can only vote on matters presented to them under this system. The same electorate are seldom, if ever, offered an opportunity to vote on matters which are important to them. Citizen’s initiatives are the only answer. It is true that this opens the door to zealots of all types bringing initiatives for consideration but so what? The Swiss have managed to vote for what is sensible as opposed to what nutters want, for a very long time. Are we really so inferior to the Swiss that we shouldn’t be afforded the chance to vote on matters of REAL substance?
Dead right.
One glaring example of how our vote has no real power is the legislation written by a large legal practise for the sole purpose of enriching their own clients.
No member of the Oireachtas asked for this legislation but it was passed nonetheless. An investigation should be launched into the TD who introduced that white paper for consideration.
This is not a democracy.
All the little middle managers with their BMWs on hire purchase, their overpriced partition wall shoe boxes in Stepaside, their orange wives, all hating Mercille, all thinking they belong to the upper middle classes. LOL.
One month’s salary away from moving back in with Mam in the council house they grew up in.
Harsh and scathing, dear friend, but achingly true in all its essentials. Tuppence halfpenny looking down on tuppence has long been a big problem here.
There are those who don’t prescribe to that rather acute and amusing stereotype and yet still manage to dislike Mercille. Why? Well…. his posts are nothing more onerous a struggle than that of self-gratification. His column yesterday was clearly a call out for an audience with Ireland’s answer to the Queen , rather than a calm and deliberated discussion of media ownership and defamation laws in Ireland.
I ‘m no big fan of the gent myself.
A classic example of the bitter misanthrope that can be found on Broadsheet and Rabble. You’re dissing managers, the cars they drive and their decision to locate to suburbia. Because you’re so edgy that you live in a creative urban area and your girlfriend doesn’t wear excessive make-up. Grow up.
I love being a misanthrope and I ‘m not bitter – neither am I in the least ‘edgy’ or even vaguely fashionable. Just in case that remark was for me.
Seanad and its structure is in the constitution – blame Dev!
This is the first time I actually engaged with the process and it really is a farce.
Digital register, full franchise, nothing less.
As for the failed politicians, there are separate routes depending on panel. They followed the process and won. Here’s an infographic on it.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/media/housesoftheoireachtas/libraryresearch/SeanadElectoralInfographic.pdf
Sounds like Dr. Hearne wasn’t aware of the full process.
Fair play for taking a stand and running though.
the fact that Ronan is in is GUBU Did those who voted him in take no note of his debates during the Referendum last year.
Commisar Dr Rory tells us……….”We had a referendum on the Seanad in 2013. Remember? And a majority of Irish people voted to retain it and not to abolish it. They gave a clear message that they wanted it reformed to be given more powers and for all citizens to have a vote rather than abolished.”
No actually they gave a clear message that they wanted the Seanad retained. That’s it.
BTW Commisar Dr Rory got 2.3% of the first preferences cast in the NUI Seanad election (less than one tenth of a quota). His buddies in the AAA/PBP got a whopping 3.8% in the General Election. Those figures suggest the underwhelming enthusiasm the NUI electorate showed for Dr Rory is a fairly accurate reflection of the mood of the electorate in general.
Well said, mein Obersturmbannführer Jake38.
Ja see whar I did der? Coz ur on de ryt dat makes u a nazi hun hahahahahaa h8 2 say it hun hahahahahahaaaaaa duz be mentle xxx
Gerne behilflich zu sein, meine kleine Untermensch
Herzlichen dank, mein nutzlicher idiot :oD
Du meinst nutzlos?
Du bist verrucht.
Du meinst verrückt? Nein. Noch nicht .
We had a chance to get rid of it. We failed. The same cohort who forgot/forgave how FF destroyed this country blithely voted for the Seanad to remain, without questioning if it actually has any real purpose. Real change will only come when we stop voting for the same corrupt cronyism.
We weren’t offered a choice to reform it though.
The Dail as it exists is one of the weakest parliamentary chambers in the world, it has no power, to further erode the Oireachtas without any mention of reform of any meaningful kind wasn’t a palatable option. If it exists it can be fixed, if it doesn’t it can’t and we’re left with rule by an executive with even further reduced accountability.
Toni I was all for getting rid of the Seanad but in the days leading up to the referendum some very well argued points in the comments here changed my mind. (In a nutsheel if it’s gone we won’t get it back but by keeping it we can reform it.) I don’t vote FF and have not forgiven or forgotten. I’m sure I’m not the only one in that situtation. I know it’s easier to just dismiss those who voted to keep it as unquestioning idiots but that only covers some of us.
Its all so sad.
“We had a referendum on the Seanad in 2013. Remember? And a majority of Irish people voted to retain it and not to abolish it.
So why has it not been reformed and why have all citizens not yet being given a vote in the Seanad Elections?”
We had a prior referendum in 1979 to expand the suffrage to all 3rd level institutions. 37 years later nothing has been changed. Think about that for a second. Successive governments have ignored the will of the people for 37 years.
37 YEARS!
There are TDs in the Dáil that are younger than that referendum.
only way to reform the Seanad is to ban all the parties from having any say in its makeup.
Which would mean legislation brought thru the dail to make changes to the seanad structure. There is sweet fuck al chance of this happening.
I believe that the greatest stumbling blocks to a fair and equitable society in Ireland are its political parties. Each one has failed the people time and time again. Their existence is self serving.