John Gormley's idea of "Political Reform"

The phrase "Political Reform" is oft mentioned by the Green Party. Much was promised before they entered government with Fianna Fail in 2007.

What has been delivered thus far?

Well, not much.

The rhetoric continues ... and that's about it. Lots and lots of rhetoric, and little or no action.

In fact, you could argue that John Gormley is not being honest about desire to deliver true political reform. His sheer cynicism can be seen in his actions on Seanad reform. He has decided that the one part of the House he will reform is the part elected by thousands of graduates, not the part elected by a couple of hundred senators, where fifty votes can get you a seat. But then the rotten borough element of the election of 43 senators by councillors, TD's and senators is popular with Fianna Fail because until now they had the largest number of councillors, TD's and senators. I am not defending the graduate bit, just pointing out that if you had a choice of reforming a bit where at least thousands of electors take part, or the bit where a couple of hundred do, and where most people are elected by the latter, you would think the latter would be the place to start. But not it seems for FF-ised Gormley. You see FF has no seats among the graduate seats, so they are an easy target. But targeting the bit that has FF senators would be too radical and too challenging.

So the rhetoric continues and, as usual, Gormley ducks it.