Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I take the opposite view to Deputy O'Dowd on amendments Nos. 2 and 6 which are very important. We need discussion and debate and we need to open our eyes to the scam that is being perpetrated. It is an absolute disgrace in terms of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. As stated previously, the legislation is flawed and undemocratic. It should be thrown out. These amendments represent an attempt to bring democracy back into this State.

In considering the debates on three seat, five seat and six seat constituencies, anybody with a bit of vision will realise that three seat constituencies are a disaster for democracy. They suit the larger parties. That is the reality and it was exposed during this debate.

What is the exact position on three seat and five seat constituencies in the Dublin area? Most of the latter have been created on the south side of the Liffey, while many of the former have been created on the north side. The commission could easily have created a five seat constituency and four seat constituency on the north side but instead it took a very conservative view. I speak as a Deputy from Dublin North Central, where it is proposed to remove one seat so that it will become a three seat constituency. Many people on the north side are very angry about this. It will backfire on the larger parties in the next general election. It is very important that the Minister recognises this.

I wish to address a couple of myths in the legislation. The amendments deal with reality. The commission removed from my constituency — Dublin North Central — 5,280 people, in the Edenmore area, and 5,020 people, in the Beaumont-Whitehall. The commission was established under the 1997 Act. It has five members but its terms of reference were given to it by the Government. It was appointed by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, whose track record on previous issues we know. The citizens of the State have major concerns about the narrowness of the terms of reference. On researching the issue, I noted that the commission held only ten meetings to discuss the election process and decide on the future of democratic elections in constituencies throughout the State. The Independent group would have ten meetings on smaller issues. It is interesting that the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern — Wonderboy or Superman, as he should be known — was given back Drumcondra and Whitehall. This poses an interesting question.

The Minister will know that the population of Dublin is exploding. If one goes down O'Connell Street this evening, one will see the amount of people and the traffic congestion but the commission has recommended that the number of Deputies remain at 166. It could easily have recommended 168. This would have made the democratic system more democratic and inclusive. We are to have 43 constituencies but will still have only 166 Deputies. There are to be 18 three-seat constituencies, which is absolutely amazing. In Dublin, with its expanding population, there are 47 Deputies. The commission could easily have recommended that this be increased to 48 or 49 in light of the population explosion.

I raise these issues regarding the amendments because there is a broader issue to be considered. Our citizens deserve respect and equality. A new debate is starting in respect of the census to be held in 2006, which will lead to further developments. If the Government is serious about democracy, on which we get many political lectures in this House, voting rights and citizenship, it should give serious consideration to amendment No. 6 in the name of Deputy Morgan, which is positive and progressive. It is also important because we are looking at the democratic interests of the State. Those who back the Minister may think they are pulling a smart one with regard to constituencies and trying to squeeze out smaller parties and independent candidates. However, it will backfire on them and people have already spotted what they are doing. Many credible people in the other parties with a genuine interest in democracy and the inclusive development of politics have also seen it.

Overall, the Bill is flawed, out of date and undemocratic. It is an absolute disgrace for a Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to present such amendments and legislation to the House.

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