TD proposes fixed-term parliaments

Independent TD Shane Ross has presented a private member’s bill that would introduce fixed-term parliaments in Ireland.

The Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Fixed Period for the Duration of Dáil Éireann) Bill, subject to approval by referendum, would modify the constitution to prevent the timing of an election from being politicised.

Mr Ross said leaving the election date to the Taoiseach or Tánaiste’s discretion led to “an abuse of executive power” which was “embedded in the Constitution”.

Introducing the bill, Mr Ross told TDs: “I am putting this forward because it is a matter of great public concern. This process has been brought into disrepute in recent times, particularly by the present Taoiseach.

“The equivocation about the general election and the frenzy which has followed have persuaded many that the system we operate, whereby the Taoiseach of this country has the power to dissolve the Dáil and choose an election date, is unfair and gives an unfair advantage to the party in power.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he would not oppose the legislation at the first stage, but stressed that the President of Ireland is the only person who can dissolve the Dáil.

Though the Dáil is dissolved on the Taoiseach’s recommendation, Mr Kenny said the president “can refuse, if he so wishes”.

Since it is a private members’ bill, the second stage will be taken in private members’ time.