Sir, - Despite the unquestionable effect of the Constitution on the social and political life of a country, and the impact of constitutional provisions on individual citizens, it is indeed surprising that the recent report of the Constitution Review Group has attracted so little media comment. This is all the more surprising in view of recent referenda and court cases. It is particularly disappointing, and indeed regrettable, that so far as one can trace, there has been no reference or comment anywhere on the review group's recommendations on local government.
The group's firm recommendation was: "The Review Group considered, by majority, that a form of recognition in principle of local government should be inserted in the Constitution. Whether or not this should be accompanied by extensive provisions might be decided when the reports of two commissions have been received and considered, but with due advertence to the argument above."
Implementation of this would bring Ireland into line with most Western European countries (other than Great Britain which, of course, &exceptionally had no written Constitution). It also would be in accordance with the European Charter of Local Self Government of the Council of Europe (1985). This, of course, has not yet been ratified here although according to a recent reply to a Dail question, "examination of the implications of ratification of the charter is nearing completion and it is intended that ratification will be effected as soon as possible after the examination is finalised."
It is to be hoped that when the all party Oireachtas Committee considers the report, this particular recommendation will be taken seriously. No doubt opposition can be expected from some quarters, but the comments of the Radcliffe Maud Report on Local Government in England (1969) should be recalled: "If local government withers, the roots of democracy go dry. If it is genuinely alive, it nourishes the reality of democratic freedom." - Yours, etc.,
Department of Public
Administration,
University College,
Cork.