Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator John Ellis in his comments on the boundary commission. What has happened in the recent report is nothing short of ludicrous. The entire county of Leitrim is without representation. The northern part of my county of Westmeath is to be part of a three seat constituency in Meath. We know from history about the creation of the counties but over the years the people of Ireland have developed an affinity to their county and as such they view it in a certain way. Many people are no longer Members of Dáil Éireann arising from the recent boundary changes. There has also been recent local electoral changes. In my time as a local authority member I served in three different local authority electoral areas and I managed to survive.

This commission report should be referred back. I am glad people from all sides are of this view. The message should go from this House that this should happen. The recent report is not conducive to good governance and has not served well the fact that the people of Ireland have developed an affinity and loyalty to their counties. I ask that the report be sent back for a complete review.