The future of the Seanad

A chara, – Fintan O’Toole (Opinion, June 18th) highlights the apparent autocratic behaviour of Enda Kenny in relation to his failure to offer the choice of a reformed Seanad to the many concerned citizens who have been unhappy for decades with the blackguardly abuse of the intended role of the upper house by successive cynical governments of all parties.

The arrogant blindness of the blunt referendum being offered is proof alone; if proof were needed that we can ill-afford to lose this potential protection against governments that lose their respect for the fine democratic basis of our constitutional republic.

If this shameful referendum proceeds, I will have no choice but to risk spoiling my vote, as I intend to draft a referendum voting paper offering the choice of a reformed Seanad. I will enclose this democratic vote within my folded official ballot paper and deliver both to the ballot box.

This is the only means left to me to fulfil my obligations under Article 6.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann as one of "the people . . . [who] in final appeal, [must] decide all questions of national policy, according to the requirements of the common good." – Is mise,

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TRAOLACH O RIAGAIN,

Muskerry Estate,

Ballincollig,

Co Cork.