ON the functionining of the political system, is it flawed in that the government could fall on, it seems, any vote. And on that basis the imposition of the whip (i.e. where you are "compelled" to vote with your party) is probably reasonable.
If not all votes were of such consequence could the whip be removed and TD's vote with their conscience as opposed to following the party line.
So if, say, the bould Mr Lee was in government with FG, and he knowing better voted against something they were proposing (and some opposition might vote for the proposal - since no gain if it loses) would it lead to more robust debate, occasional bloody nose for the government etc., a more real role for the opposition, room for alternative views and a chance that collective wisdom would come into play as opposed to lemming-like following of the protocol.
As it is, would it make much odds if those not in government were to be denied their seat?, a McCarthyesque snip saving perhaps.......