Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I read with interest the opening discourses in this debate last week involving Senator Regan and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan. I would describe myself as being very far removed from being an expert on constitutional matters. However, the Constitution guides and guards the nation. It is a living document having been amended on many occasions and it may need further amendment.

The issue of our electoral system of proportional representation has been addressed by the public in two referenda. In retrospect, in the 1960s what were probably naked political efforts were made to change our system of proportional representation and the people, in their wisdom, rejected those efforts. In the Ireland of the new millennium we will need to reflect on our electoral system and on the multi-seat system of proportional representation and question whether it is the way forward. I concede that in recent elections I have been a political victim of PR but so be it, that is the system which is in place. However, to deal with the challenges ahead I wonder if the current system of multi-seat proportional representation allows us to develop the policies and the thinking which is required. I am a great fan of proportional representation. It is imperative that future Governments and future Parliaments are elected by proportional representation. Only one other country in Europe has the same system of multi-seat proportional representation. I am not convinced it will give us the flexibility in political thinking and policies which will be required in the years ahead. As practising politicians we know that under the current system of proportional system most contests are not between the parties and are not contests of ideas nor of philosophies but rather contests within the constituencies among those of the same political party. It is a case of candidate A or candidate B who both represent the same party and I am not sure if this will be desirable in the years ahead.

I hope this House will have a mature debate on the electoral system. I wish to express my strong support for proportional representation but also my doubt that the multi-seat system of PR is the way forward.

I wish to reflect on the subject of local government. I refer to a clause inserted as a result of an amendment to the Constitution some years ago which was designed to strengthen local government in some way and guarantee the set period for local government elections and this is to be welcomed. However, as we plan for the new Ireland in the new, better and enlarged Europe and because we lecture Europe about subsidiarity and demand that powers and decisions be taken at the lowest level possible, we have much to do constitutionally to strengthen Irish local government. This must be reviewed in the next few years because local government and local communities must continue to play a greater role in the running of the country. It is ridiculous that most decisions affecting people in local communities are taken in Leinster House and not in the chambers of the local authorities. While certain advances have been made in local government as a result of the 1999 referendum, more needs to be done.

We have been very well served by all Presidents elected, from Dr. Douglas Hyde to Mary McAleese. A President may serve two seven-year terms and this should be examined. We had a presidential declaration in the House this morning, and so be it. I question whether two seven-year terms is appropriate and I would be happier if the term allowed was one single term of seven years or a maximum of two terms of four years. Like most politicians, I can raise issues but I cannot offer the solution but it is a subject which needs to be debated.

I look forward to the contributions of my more learned colleagues. The Constitution is a document for all the people and we all must have our say on the matter.