Kelleher challenges new Taoiseach

Seanad Éireann candidate Declan Kelleher has challenged Taoiseach Enda Kenny to show leadership and nominate independent personnel from outside of party political structures to the Upper House of the Oireachtas.

Mr Kelleher said the practice of the Taoiseach naming 11 nominees as senators “flies in the face of democracy”. He stressed the importance that those elected on the NUI Panel be independent of political parties because “parties already had a stranglehold on the Seanad and had failed to deliver much needed reform over a lengthy period”.
Mr Kelleher, principal of Corofin national School said, “As an institution, the Seanad was never originally intended to be monopolised by political parties and would far better serve the people were it significantly reduced in numbers and served by members who were directly elected by the people.
“Then in a spirit of independence all proposed legislation could be independently evaluated without party directives to members that they must vote in favour or in opposition. Such a body could make a major contribution to the creation of a rejuvenated and resurgent Ireland of the future,” he argued.
The former INTO president said there is little doubt but that an additional voice within the Oireachtas would be of benefit in raising issues of concern to those living on the western seaboard and “seeking to support appropriate regional infrastructures such as a viable Shannon Airport”.
With NUI Seanad election votes due to be posted out on Monday, Mr Kelleher has appealed for support from voters within the county.
“With a five week window within which votes can be returned many votes can become mislaid and deadlines can be  forgotten. An immediate return of votes would avoid this danger,” he said.