We compeletely agree on a different from of election.

My reasoning for more powers for the Seanad, would be to be more powerful and actually have a proper role in the running of the country. Its too much of a talking shop at the moment. I dont want it to be a mirror of the Dáil, but if it had the ability to force some amendments and possibly get a few things more done, it would serve the country better!

Ok I get your point on alternating now, im still unsure about quota’s though.

There’s a lot of merit in electing the Seanad in a different way from the Dail, espc in getting away from a geographical basis. For a country this size, there is certainly no benefit in having two chambers that mirror each other. Just on alternating the list, I suggested this as I think that quite a few voters (FF in particular) would like to be able to just vote a straight party ticket, and letting them tick a box which elected M/F candidates in order would help address the gender issue. Those who don’t wish to can just vote for individual candiates.