Fine Gael Propose a Constitution Day and a "New Republic"

[Slippers 2]

But vote counts change at every election and Largest-Remainder Hare-quota gives the best possible fit at every one.

[Baron von Biffo]

Seanad - a way for parties to get their unelectable dross into the Oireachtas.
List system - a way for parties to get their unelectable dross into the Oireachtas.

Simon Coveney just agreed with my analysis on Saturday View.

[FutureTaoiseach]

Edit following reading of the Irish Times link. We need all constituencies to have an equal number of TDs - and the Constitution to be amended to allow for this if necessary. Each constituency should have 5 seats to make the system truly proportional. The growth of 3-seaters in recent years has contributed to the Irish electoral system being closed to new parties and new ideas - which is corrosive to innovation and exacerbatory to a sense of powerlessness for a large proportion of the electorate. For example, in the recent Euro elections, the 3-seaters ensured that the 33% who voted for anti-Lisbon candidates were represented by just 1/15th of Ireland's representatives in the European Parliament.

[Podolski1.5]

would that be the EU Constitution or Bunreacht na hÉireann (which they are constantly trying to erode)?

[Herodotus]

I've been saying this for ages, that FG should be far more radical than they have been so far. Looks like they've grabbed the bull by the horns. They've elaborated in their 20 TD/Seanad constitutional referendum within a year by saying now that they will hold 5 referendums on the same day with the aim of creating a "New Republic" in what would be the biggest constitutional overhaul "since the 1930's".
They have also called for the replacement of the social partnership scheme which they say is a jobs for the boys gig for insiders.

Full story in today's Irish Times:
FG proposes referendum on five key political reforms - The Irish Times - Sat, Mar 13, 2010

I'd agree with the social partnership being a case of jobs for the boys. But whatever its replaced has to be better than the current case, I'd reserve judgement on that one.

The full list of referendums:

- the abolition of the Seanad;

I personally disagree. It should be reduced, reformed and directly elected.

- a new “list” system for selecting 15 TDs;

I'd definitely disagree. I dont want incompetent gombeens who cannot get elected to the Dail given a back door in.

- new constitutional recognition given to four Dáil committees;

I'd be neutral on this, would have to see more details.

- reduction of the President’s term of office from seven years to five;

I disagree. The president is largely a titular office with no power. Its an additional expense having more presidential elections.

- the introduction of a public petition mechanism for the Dáil.

Probably the only one I'd definitely agree with them on.

They also want to reverse the Abbylara decision and have a referendum on reducing judges pay.

I think that this really has the potential to put clear blue water between FG and the other parties and will form the basis of the time for change/we can't let this happen again (and here's how) election campaign. I have felt since about December 2009 that FG have been too conservative in tackling the failure of the institutions of the state. I am a lot happier having read this.

I dont think its possible to put water between FF and FG. They are 2 cheeks of the same arse. Some good ideas here, but more soundbites than concrete ideas.