Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I have some questions regarding the forthcoming election. Are there particular concerns about hacking in the European Parliament elections? That could have a very damaging effect in future elections, if not this time perhaps. We have seen how fake tweets or similar issues can affect an election. It is something that should be discussed. This will be the first time that the UK will not have a European Parliament election at the same time as Ireland. Is Brexit likely to have an impact on the election here?

Mr. Temple-Smithson's independence is absolute, but how does he work with MEPs, candidates and potential candidates in elections? How does he strike a balance and ensure he keeps his independence intact? How do we get more people interested in European elections? I have my own ideas on that but I will keep them for another time in case I am asked to be director of elections for a European campaign. I do not propose to let other people know the secrets that I might have in my head so I will wait until somebody offers me that role. It is something I have done in council elections and other elections for family members.

When it comes to getting people interested in European elections, a great deal of work has to be done. This is because in the past there would definitely have been more excitement at a busy funeral than for some of the European elections. Certainly, they would have left a good deal to be desired in my humble opinion. We will see what the future will hold. A great deal of work can be done.

Reference was made to a rate of 52% in Ireland and how this is higher than elsewhere. However, it is still a poor show. People have worked hard in the past. People gave up a great deal so that we could vote, whether in local, national or European elections. People should really be willing to push the boat out and vote for whomever they wish - whether individuals or parties - regardless of their allegiances. That is well and good. My God, people should push the boat out and declare that they want to be part of it. They should outline the reason they want to be part of it is because they want to engage, have their say and place their trust in a person, whether a lady, a man or a party. That person or individual will be the one to represent them and their interests. Afterwards, they will be able to say that the person did what they wanted or did not do what they wanted and so they will vote for someone else on the next occasion. If a person stands on the sidelines and, come voting day for the European elections, simply either does not bother or decides not to vote, then it is an awful attitude. That is actually sad. I hope the rate will be higher than 52% in this election. We would want it to go a great deal higher.

If Mr. Temple-Smithson can do anything to push up the rate, I would very much welcome it. A great deal of this is down to the parties and the individual candidates. We have seen in recent times major parties standing back from elections and not fielding candidates. I have some ideas on that. I am of the view that it is abdicating responsibility in respect of an important role. In any event, that is a debate for another day. I am not being hard on any particular party - I am branding them all the same.