John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I again offer my assurances to the Deputy that this legislation deals with specific matters relating to local elections. We had to get the Bill to the House as quickly as possible because we have to comply with the 60-day rule, which is part of the legislation. I want to come forward with more comprehensive legislation, which will overhaul the system and deal with the issues I spoke about at my Ard-Fheis at the weekend. It will be radical legislation and it will do exactly what I have set out. He need not have any fear about that. Obviously, if he wishes to press the amendment that is fine, but he should not interpret the vote on it as in any way not accepting the principle behind the amendment because there is no question about it — we will do what the Taoiseach said initially and what I have said subsequently.

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