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15 May 2013

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Seanad reform – hand it to Constitutional Convention, says Sinn Féin

‘The Seanad as currently constituted is deeply undemocratic and elitist’ – Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane

TOTAL Seanad reform – including making it more representative and elections open to all voters – should be referred to the Constitutional Convention, Sinn Féin senators have said after the Irish Government said it will not oppose the Seanad Reform Bill 2013.

The referendum on abolishing the Seanad should also be cancelled to allow the Constitutional Convention to allow it to come up with a programme to make the Seanad fit for purpose and truly representative of the people, Sinn Féin said.

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane said “the Seanad as currently constituted is deeply undemocratic and elitist” but the Government is being opportunistic with its simplistic ‘keep it or scrap it’ refererendum.

“The Constitutional Convention is the appropriate place to consider whether we need a second chamber, what is the purpose of a second chamber, and what role could a second chamber usefully fulfil,” the Waterford senator said.

The Seanad Reform Bill has been proposed by Senators Fearghal Quinn and Katherine Zappone.

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