Electronic voting
Dáil debate
Opposition parties have dismissed as 'inadequate' changes to electronic voting proposed by the Government in an attempt to allay concerns about the system.
During a debate on the issue in the Dáil this evening, the Minister for Finance accused the Opposition of a 'diabolical and appalling attempt' to create doubt about electronic voting,
Standing in for Martin Cullen who is abroad, Charlie McCreevy described their actions as a cynical political exercise.
In a bid to head off opposition to e-voting, the Government has approved a number of measures to meet some of the concerns raised.
An independent panel will be established to verify the secrecy and accuracy of the system. There will be an easier way for voters to abstain, as well as new legislation to copper-fasten the legality of using electronic voting in European and local elections.
The issue is being discussed by the Dáil in a two-day private members' motion co-sponsored by Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens.
Opposition speakers dismissed the Government's moves as too little, too late, especially in the absence of a paper audit trail which could prove that the system is working accurately.
Harney shows sympathy with Opposition
Speaking earlier today, the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, said she had some sympathy with Opposition complaints about electronic voting.
Ms Harney said the Government would work with the Opposition to reach agreement as it was not good to have controversy in such an important area.
Manufacturers issue statement
Last night, the manufacturers of the equipment involved issued a statement pointing out that not all electronic voting systems are the same
It said this one has been used in elections in Holland for over 15 years, and in Germany for five, with over 70 million votes cast and counted on the system, without one challenge being raised.
Roy Loudon, Managing Director of Powervote UK, announced that the same system has been chosen for use in a number of electoral areas in France, following rigorous safety testing.
