Sir, – Thomas Ryan's sardonic proposal to "have referendums on each and every section" of the Constitution and "then repeat the process every 20 years or so" is far less ludicrous than he imagines (April 14th).
Why not give the will of the people a more frequent voice? Between general, European, local and presidential elections the country is balloted regularly (and may be again soon). Referendums could be held concurrently to reduce cost. A “referendum day” (perhaps April 24th) could be introduced for years when no election is planned.
The Swiss have scheduled a total of nine referendums this year, following on from the six held last year and 12 in 2014. Turnout exceeded 60 per cent in the most recent four held in February.
The mechanics can be debated but surely the concept of augmenting the people’s opportunity to participate in and influence our democracy is one to be favoured? – Yours, etc,
BARRY FLANAGAN,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.