Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Mr. McDowell has asked whether it is open constitutionally for a majority in Dáil Éireann, even with the support of a majority at the last election, to introduce discriminatory funding into the political process in pursuit of their particular policy as to the type or types of people whom they feel people should elect or who should be nominated at the next election to the Dáil. He asked us to consider whether a future all-women, feminist political party should receive only half the political funding of a future anti-immigrant political party which manages to field a gender balanced panel of candidates. The answer to the constitutional question becomes pretty clear. I do not think one can wish away those reflective constitutional points.

I am in agreement with Deputy Joanna Tuffy on this issue, as I think she has shown great independence of mind and clarity of thought on this issue.