Return of the Mad Mullah - McDowell in bid to save the Seanad

[human 19]

When this discussion began in the media after Enda proposed abolition, it was mentioned that numerous reform options had been put to the Seanad, none of which were accepted. This apparently led to the perception that the senators wanted to keep their cushy number running the same as ever,which has led to the current situation where abolition is now the preferred option.

Thoughts please?

[bluefirelog]

What's the point of putting the proposed reforms to the Seanad? Surely they should be put to the people to determine?

[human 19]

What's the point of putting the proposed reforms to the Seanad? Surely they should be put to the people to determine?

I assume it was the lazy self-regulation type arguement as opposed to top-down. I dont know what reforms were proposed...just looking for info

[Panopticon]

When this discussion began in the media after Enda proposed abolition, it was mentioned that numerous reform options had been put to the Seanad, none of which were accepted.

Source?

[human 19]

Source?

Heard it on Newstalk months back. Will see if I can find something.
As I said , I am just looking for info, not trying to make a point on either side.

[turdsl]

Todays papers inform us that McDowell is anxious to get back into Politics.Thats the reason for the recent attacks on Sinn Fein, It makes no difference to them but it gives him the free support of the Sunday Independent, Fine Gael is his target specially the hardcore Fine Gaelers. He could take 4 or 5 seats from them, He will not damage any other party.

[Casabian]

I think McDowell is misguided. The Senate is a waste of time and money. I hope the govt keep their promise and have a referendum and also get on with reforming politics and the civil and public service like they said they would.

[walrusgumble]

McDowell had the balls to stand up against badly bilingual and his thugs, O'Donnell had the balls to stand up against the Church.

In what way, with regard to McDowell, Bertie Ahern and Blair out played McDowell in pretty much every way. McDowell , despite being a Justice Minister, therefore an important player, was only brought in as a token gesture to give someone to the Unionists who they could talk too (and he did well ) But McDowell was a minor player. Christ, even Dermott Ahern can claim better kudos than McDowell. Furthermore, alot of the ground work had been achieved in 1994.

You want to talk about bully boys, look no further than the DUP who refused to play ball until they got into power

Lizzie, wow, what did she do. Kind of easy to do it when she knew damn well the civilian population would not be throwing eggs at her.