30/08/2013

Pro-Seanad Campaign Group Launched

A group opposed to the proposed abolition of the Seanad has launched its campaign in the lead up to October's referendum.

The group, Democracy Matters, are calling for the Seanad to remain and to be reformed, claiming that the idea of "abolition of the status quo" is a "false choice".

Democracy Matters chairman Professor Gary Murphy told RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme that the group would not defend the Seanad in its current condition, stating that it is "undemocratic", but added that reform was feasible.

However, on the same programme Regina Doherty, Fine Gael's Deputy Director of Elections for the Seanad abolition referendum, said that the reform proposed by the group "doesn't affect what the Seanad does or doesn't do."

(MH/JP)

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