Madam, – In his article ("Achieving a sense of proportion", Opinion, May 16th) I fear Dr Garret FitzGerald has misinterpreted the leagan Gaeilge of Article 16 of Bunreacht na hEireann. He surmises that in the Irish version of Article 16.3.2 (In my sean leagan bunreachta it is Article 16.3.5. N'importe.) the phrase "do réir na h-ionadaíochta cionúire" "clearly envisages a multiplicity of forms of proportional representation". Perhaps it is because the term "ionadaíochta" is preceded by "na" that he makes such an assumption.
Whatever the reason, according to gramadach na Gaeilge phrases such as “do réir” are followed by an tuiseal ginideach (genitive case). And “do réir na h-ionadaíochta” is an tuiseal ginideach uatha (singular) of “ ionadaíocht” not the plural version. If the plural (iolra) had been intended by the drafters of the bunreacht then they would have used the phrase “ do réir na n-ionadaíochtaí ”.
Consequently, contrary to what Dr FitzGerald concludes there is no disagreement between the English and Irish versions of this article. – Is mise,