Clear 'No' Majority demands Seanad reform - Ó Caoláin

A local Sinn Féin TD insists that the 'clear message from the electorate' after Friday's referendum is for root and branch reform of the Seanad as a priority, in tandem with significant reform of how the Dáil also functions.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin acknowledged the significant 'Yes' majority across the Cavan/Monaghan constituency on the question of the abolition of the Seanad, which his party, along with the government parties canvassed for. However he still accepted that this was not the will of the people and there should now be reform of the upper house. 

'I acknowledge the almost ten percentage point majority in favour of abolition recorded across the Cavan/Monaghan constituency. This was the second highest clear majority in favour of the 'Yes' side proposition, second only to the Taoiseach's own constituency of Mayo.

'I believe this reflects the efforts employed by both Sinn Féin and Fine Gael and other voices who argued against retention of the current Seanad and its patently undemocratic electoral system.

'However across the 43 constituencies the decision was to retain the Seanad, albeit by a relatively thin 3.5% majority. It is a decision nevertheless and one that must be respected. There can be no doubt as to the people's wishes. They want reform of the Seanad and they want reform of the Dáil.

'Those who voted 'No' do not want the current Seanad arrangements to remain in place. Many who voted 'Yes' also want reform but in the absence of that choice on the ballot paper chose abolition rather than status quo retention. I believe too that many more again who did not vote on the day stayed away because their preference was not on offer. They too want reform.

'It is now incumbent on Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the current government to lead on a reform process. Making the right choices and doing so with the required speed will secure the support of Sinn Féin and other progressive voices in both Houses of the Oireachtas' concluded Deputy Ó Caoláin.