Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

There is merit in what Senator Bannon has to say but there are also practical considerations in this regard. It was suitable and appropriate to hold the referendum on local government on the same day as the local elections. There should be a balance. Several referenda should not be held on the same day and we should ensure the people are not confused.

I thought the work of the Referendum Commission during the second referendum on the Nice treaty was very effective, including its message that people have a right to vote. That would be a good message to send at the time of the local elections. I have not analysed how effective it was but felt it was an effective campaign. While it was neutral, it was about the importance of ensuring the people had their say and exercised their right to vote. It should be considered at election time also, including for local elections.