As part of Seanad reform they should make it elected by the general electorate rather than narrow sectoral interests as originally inspired by Mussolini's corporatist state model. As it stands it is completely elitist and anti-democratic.
Well said.I cannot understand how in this day and age you have to be a graduate to vote. Nevermind the whole idiocy of NUI and Trinity-v- the rest.
What's your point?Democracy allowed Beverly Flynn to be elected, too, you know!!!
Democracy may not a panacea for all ills but it's the best we have come up with so why not have the most democratic system possible?I suppose my point is that democracy is not a panacea for all ills - we still select morons, whether they be chosen by everybody (Dail) or an elite (Senate). Why duplicate the Dail selection system for the Seanad? What's the point of that, is what I'm asking.
So what's your solution to the perceived problematic situations that democracy might throw up?I suppose my point is that democracy is not a panacea for all ills - we still select morons, whether they be chosen by everybody (Dail) or an elite (Senate). Why duplicate the Dail selection system for the Seanad? What's the point of that, is what I'm asking.
Of course, we could go to the other extreme and select Senators based on front cover appearances in Hello magazine (if I knew how to insert a smiley, it would go here!!)
If the standard populist system that is used to elect the Dail is also used to elect the Seanad, why have a Seanad in the first place?
I am not advocating a replacement of Democracy, I just don't see the point in applying an identical model to both houses of the Oireachteas.
OK - that's a different matter. Earlier you seemed to be implying that because people can elect "morons" as you put it then a restricted franchise for the likes of the Seanad was justified. There is certainly a case to be made for doing away with the so called "upper" house.If the standard populist system that is used to elect the Dail is also used to elect the Seanad, why have a Seanad in the first place?
I am not advocating a replacement of Democracy, I just don't see the point in applying an identical model to both houses of the Oireachteas.
In that case why is the Taoiseach allowed to nominate people - surely this would be wrong as those would be alies!The Seanad should act, in theory, as a check on the Dail.
An honours system by the back door? No thanks. I'd prefer to live in a Republican meritocracy to be honest.I think getting appointed to the Seanad could be a way for Irish people who have contributed to society to be honored...