Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I agree with the Minister; it was absolutely right to depoliticise the issue of constituency boundaries but the guidelines can be changed. While the commission is an independent body, this House is in a position to change the guidelines. I am asking the Minister to do so.

Deputy Gilmore spoke about proportionality. I am not an expert on the matter but it seems that it depends on where one is coming from. The Deputy referred to two constituencies, a three seater and a four seater with an Independent Deputy in each who might not like to be joined in a seven seater. However, this is not about Labour Party, Fianna Fáil or Independent Deputies but the electorate.

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