Abolishing the Seanad- Not smart - In fact dangerous for democracy and the rule of law!

Abolishing the Seanad- Not smart - In fact dangerous for democracy and the rule of law!

A Case for a Reformed Seanad

"Abolishing the Seanad is a mistake!

Let's just look across to our European neighbour Hungary and the implementation of a controversial media law which curbs freedom of speech and human rights because there was no Seanad equivalent to provide the necessary checks and balance instruments to dilute it".

Hungary is a Parliamentary Republic without an upper house or Seanad equivalent. Without an Upper House in Hungary's political system to check and balance legislative proposals we have a clear example as to why a reformed Seanad with imagination, goodwill and extra powers could become a truly independent and representative viable dynamic force in Irish politics and why it is so needed to keep a check on the Dil.

On January 1 this year, the ruling centre-right party with a 68% majority following a landslide election result implemented legislation which curbs freedom of speech and violates human rights. This controversial and repressive media law proposal, established a media watchdog with members appointed by the Government requiring compulsory media outlet registration and the possibility to impose exorbitant fines of up to 700,000 for "imbalanced news coverage was implemented which could plunge cash-strapped publications into bankruptcy. All of this possible without an independent upper House to block such punitive legislation!

While in Budapest in early December last, as part of the European Parliament Legal Affairs Committee delegation to meet with the Hungarian Presidency, our delegation called on the Hungarian authorities to re-consider the legislative proposal.

Today, the European Parliament voted in Strasbourg to demand that Hungary restores the independence of media governance and halts state interference with freedom of expression and balanced media coverage. Without immediate and continuing pressure from the EU and the threat of legal action, the Hungarian Government would never have amended their legislation this week to amend the controversial law to meet human rights and European law standards.

This case demonstrates the dangers of a unicameral system and the clear need for a bi-cameral system in Ireland. Abolishing the Seanad is a political gimmick to save cash. Instead, let's think smart and long-term and reform the Seanad to become a political lion with the power to provide scrutiny, checks and balances on the Dil!

10.03.11

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