Presidential nomination process
Collins criticises the system that limited the presidential field to three candidates and proposes broader nomination rights. O’Callaghan says reform requires a constitutional amendment and urges Collins to introduce legislation.
Today marked the close of nominations of candidates for the Presidency. Only three people will go forward for the Presidency of this country, which has a population of 5 million. Some very genuine people, one of them being Maria Steen, put their name forward only to be blocked by what can only be called a big party rigged system. This age-old process must be scrapped. Independent Ireland will bring forward a Bill in the weeks ahead to not only allow Oireachtas Members to vote for a candidate but that will also include our MEPs and give stronger opportunities to councils to nominate with the backing of 75 councillors. It will also include a preliminary round of voting similar to the French presidential model. That would allow a wider and fairer field of candidates. It is obvious to the tens of thousands of people out there that the process we have is wrong. Will the Minister commit to working with Independent Ireland to bring forward a Bill to put in a change to the effect that genuine candidates will face some regulation but will not be blocked by the bigger parties if they put their names forward for the Presidency?
Comment on this
The Deputy says there are only three candidates for the Presidency of Ireland when there are 5.5 million people here. In the United States of America, which has a population of approximately 400 million, there are only two candidates.
Comment on this
I ask the Deputy to bring forward legislation.
Comment on this
Sorry, Deputies, we are out of time. Perhaps they would listen to the answer and show some respect.
Comment on this
I ask the Deputy to bring forward legislation and it can be considered. I must point out that it will require a constitutional amendment. My view is that when you look at the provisions contained within the Constitution, they are probably correct. Twenty Members of the Oireachtas and-or four local authorities are required. Much consideration went into drafting that. If the Deputy wants to change that, he must bring forward a Bill proposing how the Constitution should be amended. I would be cautious as to whether or not the Irish public would support it.