Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support what Senator Brian Hayes said. Based on the last general election, I was in favour of electronic voting. However, since then and in view of the concerns expressed on all aspects of electronic voting, I have changed my opinion. I have changed my opinion because I am dubious of a Minister who keeps changing his position. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, has been quite arrogant in the area. The Minister was in Malaysia when the Taoiseach announced that people would have the chance to spoil their votes. When the Minister returned, he said this would not be the case. How can one trust a Minister like this?

There is also the issue of credibility and trust from the electorate. The Minister happens to be the director of elections for the local elections and as he is introducing electronic voting, people are bound to doubt it.