After a 15-year wait, is electoral reform finally on the cards?

The new Electoral Reform Bill constitutes the largest overhaul of Ireland’s electoral system in decades. But will it achieve its goal of strengthening Irish democracy?

The Electoral Reform Bill amounts to the largest overhaul of the country’s electoral system in decades. Picture: RollingNews

Around a dozen civil servants, based in a cramped office in Dublin, are responsible for overseeing the Irish electoral system. John Paul Phelan was amazed to find the number was so small when he first visited the franchise unit in the Department of Housing’s Custom House headquarters several years ago.

“They do a remarkably good job. They are very exact people,” the Fine Gael TD and former Minister of State for local government said.

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