Fantasy Seanad Éireann

[CitiZenJonredux]

Here's a crazy idea.

A Senate Of the People, By the People, For the People.

Ha! I know it's completely NUTS, the Great Delusion, democracy.
But just think about it for a moment.

A Senate populated by ordinary people. No party reps can apply, each candidate independent and unaffiliated: no more to the political classes' nominees, instead each of the outgoing Senators be commissioned to undertake a four-year mentoring program for newly elected candidates. After four years in the Senate, the apprentice Senators can again run for office, provided they have not joined a political party or increased the level of their income beyond pre-defined levels.

But here's the rub. The successful electee can only collect as salary the maximum sum allowed under the govt's Jobseeker's allowance scheme no trust funds, no expense accounts, maybe a travel allowance .I'm kinda thinking this will sort the wheat from the chaff - so to speak.

We've had two generations of the current model which has arguably been rendered obsolete through political cronyism and a lack of fresh uncorrupted blood to the Irish body politic.

Why not the let the people have a go.

What have we got to lose?? IRELAND IS SINKING!!

[YoungLiberal]

Should have like 60 seats.

10 nominated by the Taoiseach
20 filled by a single constituency of the 7 Universities.
30 filled by the popular vote, using the EU Constituencies, including NI.

Give the Senate the same powers as it currently enjoys, but give powers similar to the US Senate with regard to judicial nomination.

You could also add in things like the ability to call a referendum with the support of 2/5 of the Dáil and 3/4 of the Seanad.

That's just my opinion anyway. Also, they'd be paid current wages.

[Baron von Biffo]

But here's the rub. The successful electee can only collect as salary the maximum sum allowed under the govt's Jobseeker's allowance scheme no trust funds, no expense accounts, maybe a travel allowance .I'm kinda thinking this will sort the wheat from the chaff - so to speak.

No, it'll sort out the dubs from the culchies. If they're not getting expenses how do you think senators from Donegal or Cork could pay for digs in Dublin on that salary?

[YoungLiberal]

No, it'll sort out the dubs from the culchies. If they're not getting expenses how do you think senators from Donegal or Cork could pay for digs in Dublin on that salary?

Good point, that ads merit to the suggestion in that case.

[TradCat]

We could just abolish it and let the people we elect to the Dail make the decisions that we elect them to make.

[Baron von Biffo]

Good point, that ads merit to the suggestion in that case.

[Fingal MCC]

We could just abolish it and let the people we elect to the Dail make the decisions that we elect them to make.

I was of the opinion that the Seanad is a constitutional institution and is required regardless of what the "people" think of its purpose.

There is no doubt that a change is required in how it is elected though and I think perhaps it should be public elections in single seat constituencies followed by nominations from the Taoiseach to make the numbers up to 60. Do away with the panel/university system altogether.

I think there are vast numbers of people out there who could make hugely significant contributions to irish politics in the mould of say Norris or Ross to name but two.

Anyway, the Seanad Review document from 97 (I think) should have been implemented, but as usual it was fudged by FF.

[Toland]

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[White Horse]

I would prefer if the senate was comprised of experienced individuals who have already made a contribution to Irish society.

Perhaps former government ministers with 10 plus years experience, former Taoiseachs, former Supreme Court judges, former IFA chairmen etc.

A bit like an expanded Council Of State.

I would rather the likes of Garret FitzGerald, Dessie O'Malley, Dick Spring, Ray McSharry etc in the Senate than servile appointees trying to climb the greasy pole.

Experienced people are also more likely to be independent minded.

[Mr.De-Regulation]

On one point, for some reason you think independents are better than party members, I see no reason for that assertion. Look at Fintan McGrath. Damien O'Farrel has some odd rumours floating around about him.

Why not pick all the seanad members at random?