What to do with the Seanad...

[Maguire01]

Looks like Kenny is determined to hold a referendum at some point, campaigning to abolish the Seanad. Seems to be just populist politics to me. Yes, things need to change, but does that mean that the upper house should just be binned? Unfortunately most arguments to abolish it are likely to be based on cost, when in reality, the cost need not be that significant.

[Eamonnca1]

The cheapest form of government would in theory be a dictatorship. But cost should not be the main concern. The quality of the legislation being passed is kinda important, always better to have a second set of eyes looking at it.

[trileacman]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

[lawnseed]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

dont think the 'steadying hand' angle is enough to keep these jokers in a job. where were they when fianna fail were pissing the country up against the wall and where are they now as edna and co  close hospitals etc.. waste of space highlighted by the abuse of expense accounts of various senators

[mylestheslasher]

If you took all the failed party men "elected" to it then it might not be so bad. I'd like to see the numbers cut by 2/3 and elections for places in it. Id also like a rule where no one who has stood for election for a party may stand for the seanad. Get some people with brains into it.

[trileacman]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

dont think the 'steadying hand' angle is enough to keep these jokers in a job. where were they when fianna fail were pissing the country up against the wall and where are they now as edna and co  close hospitals etc.. waste of space highlighted by the abuse of expense accounts of various senators

What you want them to do? Pull money from their arse?

[Capt Pat]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

Who is the mob? The people in the Dail? If by mob you mean the type of people who riot and storm the bastille, well maybe this country needs a mob. This country is falling apart because of the dementia of people who are supposed to be steadying hands.

[Maguire01]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

dont think the 'steadying hand' angle is enough to keep these jokers in a job. where were they when fianna fail were pissing the country up against the wall and where are they now as edna and co  close hospitals etc.. waste of space highlighted by the abuse of expense accounts of various senators

I knew you'd arrive with a measured and logical response. No populist ranting from you lawnseed.

[trileacman]

Yeah it's a difficult one to weigh up. The Seanad is pretty useless and costs quite a bit but at the same time democracy requires a steadying hand to control the mob.

Who is the mob? The people in the Dail? If by mob you mean the type of people who riot and storm the bastille, well maybe this country needs a mob. This country is falling apart because of the dementia of people who are supposed to be steadying hands.

I don't see you leading the charge Pat, or is it a case of words being cheaper than action?

[deiseach]

Abolish it. Plenty of countries get by just fine with unicameral parliaments.