Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. In case there is any doubt in this regard, I would not share that view. Independents can often add to the effect of an election in a constituency. In Galway West, there were 20 candidates for five seats on the last occasion. I am sure all of those candidates believed when they handed in their nominations they had a reasonable chance of getting elected — perhaps they were right to do so. I support the view that it is not our duty to in any way limit the number of candidates who would be willing to contest an election. That is what democracy is about.

With the Bill, candidates now have the option of lodging a €500 deposit or 30 signatures, which is reasonable and will allow many people to put their name on the ballot paper if they feel strongly about the Deputies who represented them since the last election. Many people feel strongly about either the benefit or lack of benefit to them from their Deputies. It is reasonable that they would have a chance to put their names on the ballot paper and state they want to challenge Pádraic McCormack, Frank Fahey, Éamon Ó Cuív, Michael D. Higgins, Noel Grealish or anybody else in the next election — that is democracy.

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