John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I spoke earlier about the lack of rules for the holding of by-elections, which is the first of this Bill's three parts. The Minister's proposed changes in this area are not controversial. The second part of the Bill provides for reductions in the spending limits for candidates who contest presidential elections, a proposal which will enjoy widespread support in this House. One of the more positive features of Irish politics is that a candidate does not require independent wealth to be elected. The third, and more controversial, part of the Bill is the proposed changes to the terms of reference of the constituency commission, with specific reference to reducing the number of Deputies. I, for one, support this initiative.

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