James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was happy to be involved in the Constitutional Convention that was set up by the Taoiseach and the then Tánaiste upon assuming office in 2011. It debated a range of issues. The convention's members came from the four corners of the country, including Northern Ireland. It was a wonderful forum and one looked forward to participating in it on a bimonthly basis and getting the views of ordinary people on the ground about how we should be governed, etc.

Two proposed amendments remain outstanding, the first of which is the lowering of the voting age. We saw the enthusiasm created in Scotland when its voting age in referendums was lowered. The second proposed amendment is the lowering of the qualifying age criterion for the office of the President. Both proposals have been on the clár for some time. It would be moderately progressive if they were advanced soon.

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