THE GOVERNMENT decision to hold the Donegal South-West byelection on a Thursday represents a continuation of an unacceptable attitude towards voters. The exceptional delay in calling the byelection was found by the High Court to infringe the rights of an intending candidate as a citizen and to offend against the spirit of the Constitution. In the same way, nominating polling day for Thursday, November 25th may disenfranchise many students and others who work away from the constituency.
The Union of Students in Ireland has complained about a Thursday being nominated because many of its members will not be able to travel home to vote at that time. USI had urged students to oppose increases in university registration fees. That challenge is likely to be negated through the simple expedient of holding a mid-week contest.
The polling day issue has been debated for many years. But it only received serious consideration during the term of the last Dáil when all three byelections were held on Fridays or on Saturday. Voting in the 2002 general election also took place on a Friday with the declared intention to maximise the number of young voters, in particular. In 2007, however, as Fianna Fáil came under pressure, there was a reversion to the traditional Thursday.
Holding a short, intense three-week campaign was expected. Time is running out for the Government. Ministers are under enormous pressure as they compile a four-year plan to address the budget deficit and prepare for a budget on December 7th. And while flooding a constituency with Cabinet members during a byelection campaign may have no impact on the outcome, it has become a tradition that governments are fearful of discarding and voters anticipate.
With three other byelections pending and a general election looming, a deliberate shift to weekend polling would reflect the spirit of the Constitution and encourage maximum voter involvement. Saturday elections are common across Europe. The adoption of such a practice in this State would ensure that schools and public buildings would not have to close during normal working days. It would minimise disruption to the public and it would probably save money. Legislation establishing a specific polling day would guard against political back-sliding in pursuit of party advantage. A more flexible system of postal voting should also be considered.