Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have three observations and questions. My view is that there should be a plebiscite next year. I see no reason it could not be held. I think some consideration needs to be given to what the right time for it is. We have almost fallen into a lazy assumption in the public debate that it has to be at a certain point. Local elections have a much lower turnout than general elections and, therefore, it might not be the most appropriate time. I am not making the argument that it is or is not, but we need to consider that. Given that we will also have local and European elections on the same day, would that mean the issue of Dublin's directly elected mayor gets lost? We could have a general election next year. Unpopular Governments can often lose referendums or plebiscites when they coincide them with the general election-----