Referendum proposal for constituency boundaries and to change the voting system from proportional representation to a direct vote.
Taoiseach Jack Lynch outlines proposal for a referendum to change the system of how representatives to the Dáil are elected. The electorate will be asked to decide on a suggestion to switch from proportional representation to a direct non-transferable vote.
The referendums on the Third Amendment of the Constitution Bill 1968 (Formation of Dáil constituencies) and on the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 1968 (The voting system) would take place on 16 October 1968.
An Taoiseach Jack Lynch says that based on the findings of the 1966 Census, it is clear that constituencies will have to be changed to take account of the movement of population. He says that a balance in the allocation of TDs is needed specifically in relation to rural and western areas and this will involve a referendum. It is proposed that a referendum will also take place on the single seat straight vote system.
A similar referendum on the direct vote took place in 1959 but was defeated by the electorate by a small majority. Jack Lynch believes that since this referendum, the people have come to realise that PR is not a good system and is not conducive to the proper governance of Ireland.
The proportional representation system is not a good one.
It has been suggested that the introduction of a direct vote system would give Fianna Fáil a substantial majority in Dáil Éireann. Jack Lynch believes what is important is that the people are given an opportunity to decide whether the government in power is doing an adequate job or should be put out of office. He believes that the most effective way of doing this is by way of the direct, non-transferable vote.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 31 January 1968.
