I came up with this idea when I was in the shower, so feel free to knock or support it. A lot of people are talking about the Senate, and whether or not it should be abolished or be made more democratic.
We already have a democratic house - The Dail - so how about this for a suggestion -
Members of the Senate are no longer elected by the universities or installed by political appointment. Instead people who have achieved in business, who are recognised intellectuals in education and arts, who are the top spokespeople for charity, our top medical people and journalists etc are invited to do a term in the Senate. It could be like Jury Duty - and considered a high honour. Of course you would be free to refuse, but you would have to refuse in public, and would not be invited to be a Senator again.
Perhaps the idea is naive. I don't know. I'm just throwing it out there.
It would facilitate the separation of powers, which is a necessity in a democracy. And it would supplement the democratic will of the Dail with knowledgeable opinion, which would hopefully lead to better decision making and a clearer vision of what we want our country to be.
What do ye think?
(Likelyhood of this happening - close to zero - but you can't blame a guy for trying)
We already have a democratic house - The Dail - so how about this for a suggestion -
Members of the Senate are no longer elected by the universities or installed by political appointment. Instead people who have achieved in business, who are recognised intellectuals in education and arts, who are the top spokespeople for charity, our top medical people and journalists etc are invited to do a term in the Senate. It could be like Jury Duty - and considered a high honour. Of course you would be free to refuse, but you would have to refuse in public, and would not be invited to be a Senator again.
Perhaps the idea is naive. I don't know. I'm just throwing it out there.
It would facilitate the separation of powers, which is a necessity in a democracy. And it would supplement the democratic will of the Dail with knowledgeable opinion, which would hopefully lead to better decision making and a clearer vision of what we want our country to be.
What do ye think?
(Likelyhood of this happening - close to zero - but you can't blame a guy for trying)