Ten voters to decide on Kilkee square name

IN some countries a plebiscite incorporates an entire electorate, who are invited to accept or refuse a proposal, or perhaps the vote is an exercise in which a population accepts or rejects the right of national self-determination.

An example of a proposed recent plebiscite was the controversial decision by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to suggest that the 10.7m Greek population vote on whether or not the heavily indebted nation would accept a €130 billion bailout package from the European Union.
However, a proposed plebiscite in Kilkee, which is likely to be held this year, will feature just seven “qualified electors” and up to three rate-paying business people. Canvassing may not be overly hectic.
Monday’s meeting of Kilkee Town Council heard that if Kilkee Market Square is to become known as Place de Plouhinec, a plebiscite would have to be held to elicit if the people who live or have businesses in the town square are agreeable.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kilkee’s twinning with Plouhinec in 1982 and with a delegation due to travel to the town from France on April 28, councillors are keen to mark the occasion.
“We need to give public notice of the intention to change the name of the town square to Place de Plouhinec,” Kilkee town clerk John Corry told the meeting before he revealed that just 10 people are likely to be allowed to vote on the proposal.
The period of public notice will be for three weeks. A majority vote will suffice, meaning that in a possible electorate of 10 people, if six voters agree to the name change, the town square will officially become known as Place de Plouhinec.
The meeting heard suggestions that what is colloquially but not officially known as the Waterfront carpark be named Place de Plouhinec. If this course of action is taken, there would be no requirement for a plebiscite.
“We’ve three months to do this,” Councillor Paddy Collins said, underlining how soon the vote could be held in Kilkee, while Councillor Lily Marrinan Sullivan suggested residents should be informally consulted first.
Councillor Mary Owens said if any of the 10- person electorate ware opposed to the proposal, there should be no name change.