Voter apathy has been a consistent factor in these elections, according to activists from all the political parties, who worry about the consequences of a low turn-out. As the wealth of the country increases, it would seem the determination of the public to exercise its hard-won franchise diminishes. Voter participation in the last two local government elections in this State dropped from 63 per cent to 58 per cent, while the last contest for the European Parliament only generated a 44 per cent response. Given the growing importance of the European Parliament and the transfer of new powers and responsibilities to local government, it is important that this trend be reversed. A democratic deficit - at any level - has the capacity to erode cherished civil and constitutional liberties.
The electorate will be asked to decide on a range of issues today: a referendum to give constitutional recognition to local government; elections to the European Parliament; elections to county councils or county boroughs and, in some urban areas, elections to urban district councils and town commissioners. Registered Irish citizens over 18 years of age are entitled to vote in the referendum, while resident Irish and EU citizens can choose representatives to the European Parliament. In addition, registered citizens of any nationality can vote in the local elections.
In all, a total of 273 polls will be held throughout the State and up to 2.8 million people will be eligible to vote. The authorities have done their best to encourage voting by providing opening hours from 8 am to 9 pm at polling stations. And for students and people working away from home, the choice of Friday as polling day should facilitate increased participation.
These elections are more important than most. The calibre of the candidates selected will have a powerful influence on this State's image and influence in Europe, as it moves towards greater integration and the development of more democratic structures. On the home front, the reform of local government and the creation of a more responsive, effective and innovative political structure will depend in large part on the quality of candidates chosen. In that regard, the financial incentives used to encourage many long-serving councillors to retire will ensure that about half of those elected will come new to the job. The proposal to grant constitutional recognition to our system of local government has the capacity to enhance the political prestige of local councils and to encourage the development of their powers and functions. The referendum also provides that elections to such bodies should be held every five years. The latter change, in itself, would be sufficient justification for voting Yes. In the past, successive governments postponed local elections on the basis of perceived political advantage and they treated local authorities and their elected members disgracefully. Now, the electorate has an opportunity to end that shabby episode by voting for change. It could be an important step in the transformation of local democracy. Another will be taken in 2004 when members of the Oireachtas are prohibited from holding seats on local councils.