Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

Section 15 is very topical with the local elections coming up in June. There are regulations set down here which we will not oppose. They are recommended and Fine Gael will support them. If an individual wants to offer his or her candidature for local elections, it should be encouraged by all political parties. The elected representative reflects society and the public which he or she represents. In these difficult and trying times it is most important that all institutions of the State, including the Upper and Lower Houses of the Oireachtas, have proper regulations in place regarding candidacy in elections. It should be seen by the public that there are no unnecessary barriers to a person's candidacy for election to represent his or her local area. For that reason, I welcome these regulations.

Line 10 in the section refers to: "The requirement on candidates referred to in article 14(7) to secure 15 assents or make a deposit in accordance with article 15". Heretofore, the number required was much higher. That is welcome for independent candidates who wish to offer themselves for election and do not have a party structure to support them. As a democrat, I welcome this. They will not have to bus in 30 or 40 people — I believe 50 were required at one stage — to support their candidacy. It can be an unnecessary burden for somebody who wishes to participate in elections. I would offer encouragement to any person, from whatever party or none, who would put their head above the parapet by putting their name on the ballot paper to go before the electorate. Anybody who enters the political process, be it at town council or county level, is to be admired. All parties and Independent Members in this House would encourage people who offer themselves as candidates in the forthcoming local elections.

The Bill is quite detailed with regard to the regulations. I have read them and they appear to be in order. Fine Gael welcomes them. In these trying times, we are seeking leadership. We are also looking for people who might have aspirations in the political sphere to step up to the mark, put themselves before the public and let the public scrutinise what they stand for in the local elections. I am sure the public will elect people who will show leadership in town, city and county councils throughout the country. I wish the candidates who go forward, and many of them are out canvassing already, well in the forthcoming elections.