To the Editor,
I am writing to strongly support the views put forward by Pete Lowe in his recent letter about the coming referendum.
In particular I would like to emphasis and expand on his point that this vote is about a “concept “ rather than “policy.” Much has been made by supporters of the “No” vote about the “lack of details” .The constitution is in effect a statement of the philosophy and ethos which guides our country. How that statement is put into action is decided by the elected government of the day through law making and policy. These laws and policies will often need to change with time, as situations and the will of the people change. For this reason it is quite wrong to put these details into the constitution.
In practical terms this means that, if at any stage, the system of delivering the voice no longer seems fit for purpose it could be reviewed and altered. If the presence of a voice is enshrined in the constitution it can not be simply abandoned as has happened in the past.
It is worth noting that the prime minister has offered bipartisan input to the process of setting up the system if the “Yes” vote prevails.
A “Yes” vote will enshrine a glorious, generous and healing concept to start the process of moving forward. How that concept is put into action will be determined by our elected government with the offer of bipartisan input.
Regards Patrick Rahilly