Sir, – While probably nobody in this country believed that we would get electoral reform we were promised in the Seanad, our own experience sums up this political institution and its electoral register. My father’s voting papers arrived this week; however, as he passed away in 2012 there is little chance of him exercising this democratic right.
Being realistic, one could not expect that any university would be up to date on the status of each and every one of its former students; however, as my father donated his body to his alma mater for medical research and they had his body for three years, one could only assume they realised he was no longer able to vote.
Perhaps the institutions who hold on to this undemocratic voting register might exercise a little more common sense in future – unless of course they wish that bereaved families tick the boxes on behalf of their loved ones to enable a vote from the grave? – Yours, etc,
NICK CRAWFORD
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir – As a graduate of UCD, I recently received an invitation from the National University of Ireland to register to vote in the upcoming Seanad election.
I graduated in 1966 and immediately emigrated to Canada.
Since then, I have not taken part in any aspect of Irish life, do not own any property in Ireland, took Canadian citizenship at the earliest opportunity and let my Irish passport lapse, have not paid any taxes in Ireland and, in general, have had only a passing interest in Irish government issues.
I am flattered by the invitation to register to vote for Seanad candidates, but I am confused that my family members or anyone resident in Ireland who graduated from institutions other than the NUI or Trinity College Dublin, or any Irish citizens who reside in other countries, are precluded from voting in the Seanad elections.
My Canadian government has promised to reform our senate to endeavour to make it “Triple E” – elected, effective and efficient. The new Justin Trudeau-led government promises that the necessary reform will start with revising the electoral process.
Similarly, Seanad electoral reform may be necessary in Ireland. – Yours, etc,
P HUGHES,
Toronto,
Canada.