Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is about ensuring there is proportionality. We know that the PRSTV, multi-seat constituency system is among the most proportionate systems in terms of the outcomes and value, if I can describe it as such, for people's votes. Deputies O'Callaghan and Ó Broin have reaffirmed their commitment to multi-seat constituencies and how that can produce a more proportionate and fairer outcome in the context of the Irish electoral system. My party was committed to that until a small blip in 1977, when James Tully, a previous occupant of the Custom House, decided in his wisdom to take a different approach. That undoubtedly had an impact on smaller parties and the proportionality of the outcome of subsequent elections. Lessons have been learned.

It is important to have as proportionate an outcome as possible. That is why, from our point of view, if amendment No. 41 in the context of general elections and amendment No. 44 in the context of local elections were accepted, a commitment would be hardwired in primary legislation and in the system that there would be multiple seats in the constituencies that would be derived from the work the commission would do. It is important to get that type of diverse outcome from our elections. As Deputy O'Callaghan said, the outcome should reflect our society in a way it does not now. Our society is very diverse and, arguably, we could have the development of additional smaller parties over the next period of time. Who is to know? That is inevitable.