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

[Simbo67]

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

The full list of referendums:

- the abolition of the Seanad;

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

- new constitutional recognition given to four Dáil committees;

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

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

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.

[LiberalFG]

Me too

[Simbo67]

Also mooted is the idea of some sort of direct democracy element where the dail would have to consider an issue of a petition of at least 10,000 people. That seems to be moving towards an element that was in the free state constitution but was quickly dropped (although that was a fully fledged referendum if 75,000 signed a petition which was much harder to do in the days of pre-facebook!).

[H.R. Haldeman]

Social partnership should be scrapped under its current form. “It has become a tool to protect vested interests and insiders,” states the report.

Like it.

[ivnryn]

Also mooted is the idea of some sort of direct democracy element where the dail would have to consider an issue of a petition of at least 10,000 people.

If we had that mechanism now, would it actually make any difference? For example, if there was a petition that called for an election, the government would just vote it down.

I would prefer something with actual teeth. For example, you could have a situation where legislation could be proposed. The government can either pass it, or put it to the people.

[Fing Fers]

Yes now we are talking "new republic". About time, hope this is not some FG publicity stunt. Someone light a fire under Endas a** to get this plan moving today.

The latest SCAMA detail is now enough to convince most people we are still heading down the wrong path.

Like Enda or dislike Enda put that aside, something is better than a FFraud great big nothing.

Lets have a New republic before the return of Harney, have her return to collect her P45.

New Republic.

[LDF]

According to the Irish Times this morning the Party that declared the Republic has recognised the need for a New Republic. A republic where government serves the people rather than a party.

FG are proposing a referendum day within 12 months of taking office which will ratify the following-

-The abolition of the Seanad.
-The introduction of a list system for selecting 15 TD's.
-A reduction in the Presidents term of office from 7 years to 5 years.
-The introduction of a public petition mechanism for the Dáil.
-Give constitutional recognition to four Dáil committees - PAC, Banking and Financial Regulation, a new Budget committee and a European Legislation committee.

The overall number of committees will be reduced from 19 to 9.

Other referenda will be put to the people before then-

-Reversing the Abbeylara judgement which limits the ability of Dáil committees to properly investigate issues of public importance and
-Allow government reduce the pay of Judges.

These reforms will ensure that Dáil Eireann will be restored to its proper place at the heart of Irish democracy. The constitutional amendments will FF-proof our democracy and bring us closer to a real Republic - not the bastardised version FF has led us to over the last 22 years.

FG is positioning itself as the party of reform. Meanwhile, on planet FF our overpaid and overpromoted cabinet have become drunk on power and now resemble an AA meeting without the personal responsibility - self-indulgent, blameless and irresponsible.

So, they're all the same are they?

[Baron von Biffo]

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

The full list of referendums:

- the abolition of the Seanad;

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

- new constitutional recognition given to four Dáil committees;

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

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

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.

Abolition of the Seanad
I'm open minded on this one.

List system for 15 TDs
Absolutely not. To abolish the Seanad and replace it with a different mechanism to fix up unelectable party hacks is idiotic.

Constitutional recognition of 4 Dail committees
Which 4 and why?

Reduction of presidents term
To what end?

Public petition of the Dail
Need to see the detail here. The last thing we need is to have the country run by the latest WhineLine frenzy.

Reverse the Abbeylara decision
What exactly does this mean?

Allow for reduction of judges pay
Absolutely not. A foolish and very dangerous idea that would allow governments to corrupt judges.

[pjoz]

De Valera refained from declaring a Republic until the national issue was settled.Blueshirts engaged in cheap stunts to curry favour,much like now.Pity the actions only managed to further alienate sections of Irish society. The republic as declared by the blueshirts is in direct contradiction to the proclaimation this 26 county state claims to owe allegiance to.In their progroms of reform perhaps they might engage in rectifying that

[Baron von Biffo]

Already a thread on this.

http://www.politics.ie/oireachtas/12...-republic.html