FINE GAEL deputy leader Richard Bruton has come out in support of party leader Enda Kenny’s plan for the abolition of the Seanad as part of a programme of political reform.
However, former Fine Gael minister Nora Owen criticised Mr Kenny: “There are big occasions like the presidential dinner where a leader will always find some issue to raise in it. I’m just not of the view that perhaps this was the best one to raise ... I think there are other things that are really hurting people out there in society.”
Speaking on Moncrieff on Newstalk 106-108fm she said: “If he asked my advice ... which he didn’t, I would have said, ‘Look, find something where people are really concerned like perhaps house repossession or something that would have got to people – to say this is what Fine Gael thinks and can do for you’.”
Mr Bruton said that the way the Dáil did its business was anachronistic and in urgent need of radical reform, while the Seanad was no longer necessary and should be abolished.
Mr Kenny unveiled his reform package at the Fine Gael presidential dinner on Saturday night without consulting his parliamentary party in advance.
A number of Senators have expressed opposition to his proposal. “In these tough times, Government needs to lead by example . . . I will start with the political system itself,” said Mr Kenny who pledged to cut the salaries of the taoiseach and cabinet ministers.
“I believe the Seanad should be abolished and the next Fine Gael government will put this to the people . . . Two-thirds of all European parliaments are unicameral. Those that are not tend to be large or federal,” he said.
Mr Kenny added that a Fine Gael government would also cut the number of TDs by at least 20 and would review the electoral system with a view to allowing for the election of a limited number of people with particular expertise gained outside of politics.
Mr Kenny yesterday defended his decision to announce his plan without getting prior approval from his parliamentary party.
“I’ve taken a leader’s initiative on this and that’s what leaders are for,” he said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland radio programme.
“I think its [Seanad] outgrown its usefulness. I’ve tried very hard to justify its usefulness over a period, when you peel away the layers and look at what it does its legislative function has faded.”
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Mr Kennyhad proposed only last March that the 60-member chamber should be retained.
“It appears that Fine Gael policy at any one time is determined by the advice of Enda Kenny’s PR handlers.”