Seanad reform remains on the table
Monday November 09 2009
FINE Gael is prepared to accept big changes to the Seanad before the next election -- despite its plans to abolish it if it then wins power.
In a letter from the party's Seanad leader Frances Fitzgerald to the Environment Minister John Gormley last week, the senator claimed her party is prepared to consider "interim changes".
But Ms Fitzgerald last night insisted this move was entirely consistent with the party's plans to hold a referendum on axing the Seanad. "We're throwing down the gauntlet to the Government. We're saying you've had 12 reports, you've had 12 years in Government to bring about this reform so if you want to make changes between now and when we put our plans to the people, then show us the colour of your reform," she told the Irish Independent.
And she denied the move was designed to give some Fine Gael senators, angered at the decision of party leader Enda Kenny to axe the Seanad without consulting them, the opportunity to bring about major reform and persuade Mr Kenny they should hold onto their jobs. "What we're saying to the Government is that if you want to reform the Seanad between now and a referendum, we'll consider those proposals. If you can make it more effective, go ahead," she said.
All parties submitted documents to Mr Gormley earlier this year seeking reform of the Seanad ahead of the 2012 elections -- rather than its abolition.
- ine Kerr Political Correspondent
Irish Independent
