Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

When we are discussing local elections and local authorities we tend to stick rigidly to maps drawn 500 years ago by an English Queen. While county boundaries determine the colour of the jersey one wears on Sunday, they should not act as impediments to the development of places such as my home town of Drogheda, which I represent and which is seriously constrained by the position in which it finds itself. Waterford is in a similar position, as is Athlone, but I note action has been taken in respect of Limerick. Moreover, while consideration might be given to making membership of a local authority a full-time occupation, this should be examined as part of the entire spectrum of political reform.

I welcome the Bill as a highly positive step and a start on electoral reform for the Government. It will send a strong message that the Government is serious about what it is doing, that it is not business as usual and that the system will be reformed and made more effective. There is an opportunity to make a real difference to the political system during the lifetime of this Dáil and I believe all sides of the House wish to see progress in this regard. This has been reflected in much of what I have heard during today's debate and I look forward to hearing the views of other Deputies, as well as considering other elements of this Bill on Committee Stage.

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