Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Electoral (Amendment)(Political Funding) Bill 2011: Second Stage

 

1:00 pm

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)

However, I maintain that it was perfectly appropriate for me to point out, when he spoke earlier about cultural elements, that the largest Christian denominations in this country is not at all a cultural leader in this area. The word "organic" contains the notion of growth, but I am ashamed that we have slipped backward rather than moving forward. That is not organic; it is a form of decay.

Hitting people in the pocket is the most practical form of political persuasion at one's disposal. The proposal that 30% of a party's list must be women is very welcome in a context where they are a majority in the State. It is astonishing that they are not there already. This provision should be extended to local authorities for the clear and simple reason of public profile. In the old days a large number of people in this House came through the local authority system and cut their teeth there. If women are not given the same opportunity they will not have the same profile and will be less likely to be elected. As it stands, they account for only 17% of local authority members. Imposing a candidate gender quota for the 2014 local elections would pave the way for the next general election, which is due to take place in 2016. The idea of twinning lists, which has been tried successfully in Scotland, would serve to maximise the opportunity for participation.

I have reservations in regard to proposals for a favourable order of placement for women candidates on the ballot paper, as suggested in a submission to me by the 50:50 Group in Cork. There is certainly a clear advantage in a higher placement. My own name, starting as it does with an "N", is too near the bottom. I wish it started with a "B" like Senator Bacik.

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