Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. To follow the theme that seems to be developing in this debate, the disconnection between the ordinary citizen and the European parliamentary institutions, I suggest that these large unwieldy constituencies will contribute even more to that lack of connection.

I was a candidate in the 2009 European elections in the constituency that included Connacht, Ulster, Clare, Longford and Westmeath, comprising a total of 11 counties and a very dispersed population. An additional four counties have been added to that constituency, giving a total of 15. One of the more positive aspects of the commission's report is that County Clare has been returned to Munster. I recall canvassing and electioneering in that county, where it soon became apparent that the people living there did not see themselves as anything other than Munster people. They did not empathise in any way with Connacht-Ulster and did not see themselves as part of that body politic. When the vote was returned, the local candidate, Michael McNamara -now Deputy McNamara - had obtained the highest proportion of the Clare vote. That success helped to parachute him into the Dáil. I wish him nothing but luck as he is a very decent man and a very good public representative.

This was a salutary lesson, however, in how tribalism and parochialism continue to loom large in Irish elections, irrespective of the size or constitution of a particular constituency. My concern is that this type of parochialism will be evident in the two larger constituencies outside of Dublin, which will make it more difficult for candidates to engage with voters who are located at a significant geographical distance from the candidate. It is another factor that contributes to the disconnect between voters and their MEPs. That disconnect is becoming increasingly evident in the findings of opinion polls. While such surveys in the past showed a very positive view of Europe and European institutions on the part of Irish people, often suggesting they had more faith in European institutions than in Irish political institutions, there has been a significant change in recent years. I am sure that is a concern for the Government.

I support Senator Colm Burke's suggestion that a future electoral commission might be directed to consider the creation of one-seat, single Member constituencies. This would narrow the focus and make the work of MEPs more relevant to particular geographical areas. It might even help to stimulate a greater level of support for European parliamentary institutions. Will the Minister outline his view on this idea of single-seat constituencies? I note that the Constitutional Convention, in its debate on the electoral system, decided not to recommend change. This was surprising given that it is seen as somewhat more radical than the mainstream political system, representing, as it does, the wider public view. Perhaps there is an innate conservatism in Irish people, which might have been reflected in the outcome of the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. In that instance, people were not prepared to ditch an element of the Constitution simply because the Government of the day proposed it. That referendum was not the first occasion on which a Government experienced defeat on a proposal for electoral reform. Many decades ago, Fianna Fáil in government was unsuccessful in this regard on two occasions.

It is vital we look to the future. We cannot do anything about the current situation, even though it is detrimental to the representational role of MEPs. As Senator Burke pointed out, it will be impossible, with 11 Members in the Twenty-six Counties and three in the North, to cover between 20 and 25 European Parliament committees. As a result, Ireland's influence in Europe will be minimised. The question Senator Wilson asked is very relevant. Are we facing a situation where Irish representation in the European Parliament will continue to reduce as more countries join the Union, as a consequence of the treaty obligations relating to the cap on the number of MEPs? That is a very real concern in a context where Ireland has, in the past, always managed to punch way above its weight.

I take this opportunity to congratulate members of the Government on their engagement with the European institutions. The feedback I have received from MEPs is that Ministers who have attended meetings in Brussels have gone out of their way to ensure there is consultation with the MEPs, an engagement that did not happen under previous Administrations. This Government has conveyed a respect for and appreciation of the role of MEPs which I hope will continue. I conclude by echoing the good wishes of colleagues to the Minister in the event that he proves to be the chosen one.