Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

Another issue of crucial importance to everybody is that of fair and proportional representation in Dáil Éireann for each citizen in each constituency. Our electoral system is based on PR. It is designed to give the most accurate representation of the wishes of the electorate, such that not only can a voter express her preference for one candidate but she can also vote for a number of candidates in her order of preference. The system allows a voter to vote against a candidate and offers him or her a real choice.

However, this is only half of the equation. The other half concerns the number of seats in a constituency. When the constituencies were being drawn up in Northern Ireland for the Assembly elections, they were all assigned six seats. This is because a six-seat constituency, using the PR system, results in the most accurate and proportional representation. It produces the fairest result, the result that best reflects the wishes of the people. If we as politicians and democrats are really serious about the wishes of the people and if we respect them, we should try to ensure that our electoral system truly reflects their wishes.

If a six-seat constituency in a PR system is best in Northern Ireland, why is it not best for those of us who live south of the Border? Are we not as deserving of the very best representation? Why are we moving in the opposite direction by increasing the number of three-seat constituencies and decreasing the number of five-seat constituencies? Why do we have no six-seat constituencies, given that the Irish Government had a major influence in ensuring the formation of six-seat constituencies in Northern Ireland?

Deputy Finian McGrath described this Bill as flawed and undemocratic and said it showed a lack of respect for citizens. I fully agree with him. Deputy Haughey criticised Deputy Finian McGrath and said we must ensure there is no imbalance in the degree of voter influence. That is right but there should be no imbalance in the degree of influence held by the large parties. The system we operate guarantees that imbalance. The increase in the number of three-seat constituencies will ensure an even greater imbalance which will favour the large parties. That is why I agree with Deputy Finian McGrath that the Bill does not respect the wishes of the citizens.

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