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Our ex-taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald now saying on national radio that the result of a referendum 'undermines representative democracy'. His reasoning being that people voted against the political establishment

Bizarre. Kind of scary really.

by irishhead on Fri Jun 13th, 2008 at 09:40:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, you know what "serious" people mean when they say Democracy is in crisis, right? They mean the plebes don't vote for the "right" things (or don't vote).

I don't think he's right, though. People tend to take any referendum as a confidence vote on the political establishment, and "representative" democracy is in a real crisis of legitimacy.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Fri Jun 13th, 2008 at 09:49:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Strictly speaking, he is correct.  We only had a general election a year ago, and now the electorate votes down a proposal supported by over 90% of their elected representatives.  That is a crises for representative democracy - effectively a vote of no confidence in the political system.

What is the Government and opposition to do now that their chosen policy has been voted down?  Have another general election?  Allow Declan Ganly to take over?  Which of the many conflicting no campaign issues should it take up as new official Government policy?  Keeping the one commissioner per country rule is one of the few No campaign issues that actually relate to the Treaty itself, so that might be the place to start.

"It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."

by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot dotty communists) on Fri Jun 13th, 2008 at 08:48:27 PM EST
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