Why the plans for electoral reform do not go far enough
THE electoral reform legislation should have put the Electoral Register under the Department of Social Protection or Revenue.
It does not make sense leaving it with the Department of Local Government and Housing, which does not have a centralised database to cross-check entries for accuracy. It is a mammoth task for the local authorities to get things right
The public update their information for the Electoral Register by adding in their date of birth and PPS number, etc. But failure to do so now will not mean a person will be struck off the register as it is not mandatory.
The idea behind this electoral reform is to automatically eliminate double or treble entries, removing also the names of those who no longer live in the country or who have passed away.
This is essential to accuracy of the register and to eliminate its openness to voter fraud, creating a centralised voter database.
While this is a step in the right direction, it cannot happen any time in the near future. There are many PPS numbers which are inactive with citizens moving abroad to live and work or other EU citizens who have worked here returning to their home country.
Entering one’s PPS number without proof of address of residence is problematic. It is a normal requirement for access for other public supports such as a medical card, etc.
The Department of Social Protection and Revenue automatically know if a PPS number is active. When PPS numbers are gathered by local authorities, they will have to be cross-checked by Social Protection.
‘One man or woman, one vote’ is still a utopian dream in Ireland.
NUALA NOLAN, Galway.
Top Trump
DONALD Trump is my go-to candidate to subdue the Chinese, charm and confuse Kim Jong-un and, while keeping the enigma that is Putin guessing, hold Iran in check. The world is at a dangerous point, as unpredictable as the Icelandic volcano spewing its lava and fiery mayhem.
Donald Trump possesses the ego, charisma and self-belief to steer America and its allies through the minefield of faux-diplomatic posturing, belligerence and threats without mincing his words. Added to that, his enemies find him unreadable, which makes him a formidable opponent. MARY WINDSOR,
by email.
Population concerns
DEMOGRAPHIC decline in China has been greeted by some with dismay, as if humanity were about to enter a period of terminal decline. We know world overpopulation is causing untold problems to the environment, climate and resources. We know this, but act as if we don’t.
A declining population is an opportunity to be welcomed. It shows that, even if the state is blind, people are taking responsibility for their own and their children’s futures.
TREVOR RIGG, by email. ...I TOTALLY understand the idea that population growth is a taboo topic. In some instances, many human beings are today experiencing a better standard of living and wider access to education, which often results in lower birthrates. However these are not the key issues.
What is never discussed is the many millions of women across the world who have no power over their reproduction or their sexual activity. They do not have the right to say ‘no’.
This is a deeply rooted cultural issue, but women’s empowerment is fundamental to our survival. Neither sustainable development goals nor stemming climate change will be achieved until all women have freedom to make their own reproductive decisions.
JOHN O’BRIEN, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.