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19/10/2009
Seanad 'Should Be Abolished' - Fine Gael
Democracy remains at the heart of the political process in Ireland – even though there has been a call to abolish the Upper House.
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has said that he believes the country needs to maintain its democratic institutions and that democratic accountability was more important than ever.
Responding to the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny's call that the Seanad should be abolished and the number of TDs cut by at least 20, Mr Cowen said he would support the idea of reforming and improving democratic institutions.
But, he said it would be the job of the independent electoral commission to look at this area objectively and said that such a body is to be established as part of the reviewed programme for government.
On Saturday, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that his party, in government, would hold a referendum to abolish the Seanad with Labour's Justice Spokesperson Pat Rabbitte reported as agreeing there is a great deal of merit to Fine Gael's proposal.
Mr Rabbitte said the upper house of the Oireachtas had not been performing, but said it did have a small number of outstanding senators.
In addition, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, has said he does not see a role for the Seanad in its present form and said the electoral system needed to be "made more relevant".
(BMcC/KMcA)
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has said that he believes the country needs to maintain its democratic institutions and that democratic accountability was more important than ever.
Responding to the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny's call that the Seanad should be abolished and the number of TDs cut by at least 20, Mr Cowen said he would support the idea of reforming and improving democratic institutions.
But, he said it would be the job of the independent electoral commission to look at this area objectively and said that such a body is to be established as part of the reviewed programme for government.
On Saturday, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that his party, in government, would hold a referendum to abolish the Seanad with Labour's Justice Spokesperson Pat Rabbitte reported as agreeing there is a great deal of merit to Fine Gael's proposal.
Mr Rabbitte said the upper house of the Oireachtas had not been performing, but said it did have a small number of outstanding senators.
In addition, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, has said he does not see a role for the Seanad in its present form and said the electoral system needed to be "made more relevant".
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Eight Fine Gael TDs Say Incremental Pay Increases Should Be Examined
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Incremental pay increases and allowances for higher-paid public service workers should be examined for possible savings, according to eight Fine Gael TDs. In an article in the Irish Examiner, the group said these two areas are not part of the Croke Park Agreement and that pay increases must be put back on the table to correct the budget deficit.
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25 May 2011
New Seanad To Meet Today
The new Seanad is to meet this afternoon. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2.30pm, when 60 new Senators, including Dr Martin McAleese, husband of the President will meet for the first time. Chair of the Seanad will be David Norris, who has the longest continual service. Paddy Burke is expected to be elected the new Cathaoirleach.
New Seanad To Meet Today
The new Seanad is to meet this afternoon. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2.30pm, when 60 new Senators, including Dr Martin McAleese, husband of the President will meet for the first time. Chair of the Seanad will be David Norris, who has the longest continual service. Paddy Burke is expected to be elected the new Cathaoirleach.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
