Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

This side of the House welcomes the opportunity provided for by the Bill to consider the important issues of participation in our democracy, including what is the ideal day of the week to hold an election. Last night, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, set out the pros and cons of choosing different days of the week for polling day. Polls have been held on five of the seven days of the week. One can argue for any particular day of the week but none has worked in achieving higher turnout.

Weekend voting could be beneficial to students and others who are away from their primary residence. It would also eliminate the need for primary school closures but I wonder if that would make us popular with primary school students. Weekend voting could equally reduce turnout because of clashes with holidays, sporting events and festivals. Society has changed. In three weeks many of the third level colleges will be shut.

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