James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. I support Senator McCarthy's amendment. Earlier I referred to a similar matter. Independent candidates must round up — if that is the correct term — up to 30 people to sign a declaration before they can be nominated. This issue needs to be addressed urgently. We live in a democratic State. Those not representing a party are entitled to stand for Parliament and the Minister should introduce legislation to ensure this provision does not apply in future. The Constitution requires that all our citizens be treated equally. There is no evidence of equality when such candidates have to submit 30 signatures to a returning officer prior to nomination.