Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the idea of an electoral commission. I served on the Constitutional Convention and many of the constitutional issues we looked at brought us to a recognition of the need for an electoral commission.

There was an exploration of issues and matters that could be brought within its remit. There has been practical input from citizens working with politicians, which would be helpful.

We are focused on shortcomings, but one very interesting fact which arose from the Constitutional Convention was that most people are happy with our electoral system in terms of the single transferable vote and the PR system. We had the opportunity to examine many other systems and it seemed that everybody was happy with ours. In terms of reform, there has never been a Constitutional Convention before and we would not have had the referendum on marriage equality if it had not ratified it and suggested that the opportunity be given to the people to decide whether they wanted to endorse marriage equality. That is all pretty reforming and a new and different approach to bringing forward procedural and substantive issues around the Constitution.

One irony which strikes me in Ireland, and perhaps the Western world, is that we are very evangelical when it comes to democracy in developing countries. We think things such as the Arab Spring are wonderful and that countries will embrace democracy. We make sure things are done fairly in Eastern Europe and Russia. The United States, for example, pumped a lot of money into Kenya to develop a new constitution or katiba. We all see the value of democracy outside our country, but unfortunately when it comes to Ireland it seems the value of our democracy seems to be constantly diminishing.

In terms of reform, we no longer have town councils, we voted on whether to abolish the Seanad and there are fewer Deputies. On the other hand, much of that matches people's general feelings about things, which may not always be rationally thought out. The general view concerned what politicians were doing, what it was all about and quangos. There were many buzzwords, and people felt irritated because of the pressure on them. There was a backlash.

An electoral commission, if done the right way, would not be a quango and could encapsulate many things. We have to go back to our citizens again. Are we at a point where, having had the benefits of democracy for so long, now more than ever the rights of individual citizens and the right of people to live their lives they way they want to are valued more than they ever have been? There are certain parameters, but people have the right to self-determination. Are we now more self-centred and not as bothered by what we need to do to keep the overall framework going?

We are all outraged by the atrocities of the past and the not-so-distant past, as well as what is happening now, such as systemic failures and so on. The children's rights referendum was brought forward on the premise that we would strengthen children's rights, yet the turnout was poor. I visit polling stations on the day of a referendum or election and touch base with the people running them. They told me young people did not turn out for the children's rights referendum, which was held on a Saturday. It was not just young people that questioned its relevance.

We know a certain socio-economic group does not vote despite being, arguably, one of the largest beneficiaries of the welfare state. We need a reality check. In terms of stability, perhaps democracy is boring because it all about conversation, dialogue, listening to diverse views and ultimately accepting that we will not all agree on things, such as in the most recent referendum. Everybody does not agree on things, but we need to respect that democracy is about conversation. Of late in this country, we have seen extreme protests which were more akin to intimidation and bullying and did not respect that the other side, be it a politician or another group, may have a different view that can be respected.

I suppose I just want to mention it. The whole water protest was changed by what happened to the Tánaiste in Jobstown. I thought it was a disgrace. What was the point of preventing her from leaving for three or four hours? Were those involved hoping she would be intimidated and would change her mind? Did they think she did not have a deep-held conviction about the particular policy she was putting forward? Democracy is delicate. It is only good if we keep working on it. We constantly strive towards excellence in improving and supporting the organs and instruments of our democracy. Sometimes I think it is important for us to reflect on that.

I would like to make another point about electoral reform. I think it was touched on by Deputy O'Dowd. After the Abbeylara judgment, we could not conduct inquiries in the Oireachtas in a certain fashion. When that was put to the people, they said "No". They decided not to give all of these powers to politicians. That was fair enough. Notwithstanding the problems with the ballot paper in the Seanad referendum, which were mentioned by Deputy Maloney, I do not think the public wanted to give all of the power to people in the Dáil either. We can look at the mechanics and where things could have been done better. Regardless of whether we think the decisions ultimately made by the electorate are wise, we respect them and uphold them in our laws.

I think much of this relates to how we can get people to engage again. When we were at the Constitutional Convention, it was suggested that we reduce the voting age and the age at which one can be a candidate in a Presidential election. The people who made those suggestions believed that if we reduced the relevant ages, we would get more engagement and people would see the process as more relevant. I do not agree with that. I think there is something else to be tackled here. People need to see the correlation between the peace and stability we enjoy in this country, compared to so many other countries, and the personal freedoms we have that are not enjoyed elsewhere. We should have debates. We are not always going to agree - that will be the way forever - but at least we have a vehicle to deal with it. I definitely think an electoral commission would have a great role to play in this.

As I have described, attempts have been made to introduce many reforms. In many cases, people have said they do not want them. I do not think that is really what is bugging people. What is bugging them is the economic pressure they are under. Of course they do not want to see any sort of latchico-ism or all the sort of stuff that might have been associated with politics. I just think we should celebrate our democracy and not be so cynical. There are many people out there who are trying their very best. Regardless of whether I disagree with people on a different political spectrum, I respect that they are trying their best as well. That sort of conversation needs to be had. I know that is not question; it is just a view. I was one of the members of the Constitutional Convention. We got a chance courtesy of Professor Farrell and a number of others to hear some expert and professional contributions and to hear from citizens. I think we have a lot to celebrate in this country. Maybe we should remember that first and foremost.