Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I propose to share my time with Deputies Catherine Murphy, Gormley and Morgan.

I welcome the opportunity to speak about the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2007. This is an important debate because it gives us the opportunity to consider not only the legislation but also the position of independent politicians in the Ireland of 2007. It also presents an opportunity for us to examine the role of Independent Deputies, Senators, councillors and candidates for the next election and to acknowledge the value of Independent Members who have made a positive contribution to this Dáil. The Minister should recognise that Independent candidates are polling between 8% and 18% of the vote in various constituencies. Independents have a major stake in society and that mandate should be respected by the House and the national media. Sadly, many commentators are hostile to us but it is important to recognise that we are different.

I raised the issue of permitting the use of the title "Independent" on the ballot paper recently in the House and the Minister blew my argument out of the water. I challenge the Minister, the Government and all those who seek to exclude this title from the ballot paper. We should be allowed to put the word "Independent" beside our names. Currently, our choice is to use the title "non-party" or leave the space blank. In an inclusive, progressive society in which the Minister and his colleagues claim to be democrats, why will they not permit us to put the title "Independent" beside our names on the ballot paper? It is a national scandal that many candidates will not be given the opportunity to state their representation. Independent Members have demonstrated over the past five years that they are on the side of the elderly, the poor, people with disabilities and working people in general and the media should recognise that reality. We all support the concept of a free press but I wonder how free its practitioners are when they constantly ignore Independent Deputies and councillors throughout the State.

The Minister is a great man for rolling out initiatives. We debated the issue of boundary changes during the previous Electoral Bill and it was an absolute disgrace that the Minister dumped all the three-seat constituencies north of the River Liffey in Dublin while all the five seat constituencies are located on the south side. Dublin North-East, Dublin Central and Dublin North-West could easily have become five seaters but the Minister is trying to squeeze out the smaller candidates and parties. That might suit the elite and the wealthy in society but the people will see through it.

It is also important to examine why people vote for Independent candidates. Despite the Celtic tiger boom and our increased prosperity, people feel more disconnected from their communities than ever before. Scandals and corruption involving politicians, the church, the Garda, business and the medical and legal professions have shaken society's confidence. Society is people and without people there is no society. Independents have brought communities together based on people centred policies and actions. Many of us came through the community and voluntary sector and we are making a contribution. Yesterday, ten Independent Members came together on the class size issue and demanded a 20:1 pupil-teacher ratio and investment in primary education. Tough rather than populist decisions need to be taken on health, education, disability, housing, environmental economic issues and that is the role Independent Deputies could play in this society. We are only answerable to the electorate, as opposed to vested interests. I welcome the opportunity to support the legislation.

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