March 31, 2023
Seanad voting rights must be extended– Seanadóir Fintan Warfield

Sinn Féin Seanadóir Fintan Warfield has welcomed a Supreme Court judgement that current Seanad voting provisions are unconstitutional, and said reform must be enacted immediately to extend voting rights.

Speaking today, Seanadóir Warfield said:

“Today’s Supreme Court judgment, holding that the limitation of the Seanad franchise to NUI and TCD is unconstitutional, should serve as a wake up call to Government. I welcome the judgement and it is crucial that the required reforms are now delivered without delay.

“Sinn Féin worked tirelessly on the Seanad Reform Implementation Group. A full report and draft legislation were developed that would radically reform the Seanad.

“It proposed one six-seat university constituency that would replace the NUI and Trinity constituencies. The new six-seat constituency would be elected by graduates who hold a Level 6 degree or above.

“Sinn Féin fundamentally believe that a majority of the Seanad should be elected by the public including Irish citizens in the north and overseas. The Seanad Reform Implementation Group provided for that.

“Sinn Féin also won a series of key amendments to this Report and Bill that would provide for a greater gender balance amongst candidates; and that the Taoiseach gives consideration to diversity, gender balance and representation from marginalised communities when nominating 11 Senators as per the constitution.

“Our Seanad must be representative of the diversity of Irish life, to ensure that people get equal and fair representation. Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for fair reforms to deliver this equality. The Seanad must be reformed to be fit for purpose in the twenty-first century.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I was honoured to attend the opening of a new parkway in Lower Shankill.

This bright new space will be a key asset to the local community, providing families and young people with a place to play, socialise and enjoy. 1/3

Government and Regulator must get to grips with Ireland’s soaring network costs that put upward pressure on electricity bills from October 1st - Darren O’Rourke TD and Senator Lynn Boylan

https://vote.sinnfein.ie/government-and-regulator-must-get-to-grips-with-irelands-soaring-network-costs-darren-orourke-td-and-senator-lynn-boylan/

@orourke_darren @LNBDublin

Archibald calls on Department of Health to continue Women’s Aid funding https://vote.sinnfein.ie/archibald-calls-on-department-of-health-to-continue-womens-aid-funding/ @CArchibald_SF

The longer Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in government the worse the housing crisis gets – record child homelessness, record high rents, rising house prices and families under increasing pressure from rising mortgage interest rates. @EOBroin

#HousingCrisis

Load More