Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am in favour of an independent electoral commission. It has been raised in the Seanad many times and has been voted on there too. It is an absolute disgrace that the Government in its five years has failed to deliver on this cornerstone of political and electoral reform. I concur with Dr. Reidy that it is regrettable that after five years an electoral commission will still not be delivered on for the next general election. Whatever about fears of quangos, ultimately, failure to establish such a commission undermines potential political participation, good positive political culture, trust and accountability. It is a slight on both Government parties that they were not able to deliver this in five years, even with a pre-existing report from 2008. The Independent group in the Seanad has called for the establishment of such a commission many times. I welcome the fact the committee is pushing for it. What is the likelihood, however, of it being instituted by the next Government?

I am mindful about what Professor David Farrell said about detail. I must mention Professor Michael Marsh taught me in Trinity College, Dublin just in case there is a conflict of interest.