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“I’M TRYING MY best not to think about it.”
That was the response of one TD when asked what he thought about the imminent publication of the much anticipated Electoral Commission review of constituency boundaries.
The redrawing of some constituencies is likely to send shockwaves across the Irish political landscape when it is published on Wednesday morning, with many a TD anxious about what their future holds.
The changes are coming about as after every census there is a review of the composition and boundaries of the Dáil constituencies.
At the end of June, the CSO said Ireland’s population had increased by 8% to 5.15 million in Census 2022.
Our Constitution says that there must be, on average, one TD to represent every 20,000-30,000 people.
The newly-formed Electoral Commission has carried out a review of the boundaries of Ireland’s constituencies to ensure that this figure is met – and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has said there is “red-hot interest” across the political system for the upcoming completion of the electoral constituency review.
The fear among many politicians is that they could be the new Noel Rock.
Following a redrawing of Dublin North-West, Fine Gael’s Rock lost his seat at the General Election in February 2020.
Back in 2017, even before the election had happened, he described how he lost 20% of his voters “at the stroke of a pen” following the publication of the Constituency Commission report.
As the publication of the Electoral Commission’s report into constituency boundaries looms, TDs are also fearful that they could suffer a similar fate.
Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings last week, Donohoe said:
“When the maps come out and we will sit down to unfold the maps to see what the boundaries of our constituency are going to be, there is a red-hot interest all over the political system in what will be the conclusions from the Commission.
“There’s much speculation from many of my colleagues regarding what the maps will look like and I know that at the end of August, they are going to be poured over by all of us to see what it means for our futures.
“And I, like everybody else, await with great interest to see what those maps are going to be.”
Put simply, there were a number of five-seat constituencies around the country that are now simply too big to remain as five-seaters.
A perhaps ill-advised restriction was imposed by Government, meaning there can be no six-seaters created by the commission, therefore cementing the fate of some counties to be split in two.
Large counties such as Wexford, Donegal, and Tipperary – all five-seater constituencies – are predicted to be split into two three-seat constituencies.
As noted by Adrian Kavanagh from Maynooth University, this may not be a serious issue for voters in Donegal and Tipperary, whose counties were already previously two three-seat constituencies before the 2012 Constituency Commission report.
However, for the people of Wexford and its politicians, dividing the county between two Dáil constituencies will be a significant change.
It is largely the current five-seat constituencies, such as Carlow-Kilkenny, Dublin Fingal and Louth that will make seat gains, which could result in tinkering of the boundaries.
The speculation is that the Dublin constituencies will gain around five or six more seats, with potentially three seats being allocated to the Fingal County area.
This could result in a new constituency within the Fingal area being created.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said last week that he was not fearful about what the outcome would be for Fingal, his own constituency, stating:
“I never get overly concerned personally as to what constituencies look like. We’ll obviously assess that next Wednesday and then you move forward.”
Implications for Carlow-Kilkenny could mean there could be two new three-seater constituencies, with Minister for Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan previously stating that the constituency could be broken up in the next election.
While the commission is separate and independent to Government, splitting up Kilkenny into North and South was one of the suggestions made to the Electoral Commission during the consultation process, it is understood.
Some TDs who are in 4- or 5-seater constituencies now are concerned they’ll be in a 3 or 4 seater after the review, they said. This ultimately means it will be a tougher fight for them to win with less seats for the taking in their area.
Another TD predicted changes to the Meath East and Meath West constituencies, depending what happens to Louth, but they added that it is a matter of sticking a pin in the map as to what constituencies will be impacted.
“There will be winners and losers. I mean, there’s no doubt about it. Hopefully a lot more winners, but who knows? You know, we can only do our best,” Art O’Leary, the chief executive of the new permanent Electoral Commission told the Business Post newspaper recently.
What can politicians do if they are unhappy with the new constituency make-up? Not much.
There is no real recourse for anyone that has an issue with the redrawing of the boundaries.
While it has to be approved by the Government and Dáil, no one The Journal spoke to believed that a politician will realistically try and unpick the changes.
However, before then, nerves will be running high for politicians worried about whether with a stroke of a pen they too could be losing large chunks of their voters, just like Noel Rock.
Rock made a submission to the Electoral Commission ahead of its review, stating that Dublin North West – the constituency he previously represented – should get another seat so as to best represent the area.
Rock has gone on to be Director of Public Affairs at This is Red Flag, a strategic communications agency, showing there is in fact life after politics.
However, that will be little comfort to those politicians currently in situ, who fear they could end up fighting a losing battle in the next General Election.
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Fair play to voxpro.
True but what are the two grinning idiots doing there?
Everywhere they seem to go there is a massive jobs announcement. They must be the luckiest lads in the world.
Yes Ted – they’re like the opposite of Jessica Fletcher …
Joseph they are the taoiseach and minister for jobs. They helped facilitate the new jobs and are no doubt enjoying the positive limelight that stories like this bring.
@seb.
I’d be pretty sure that they had feck all to do with it. Just jumping on the pre election bandwagon.
Bruton is the Minister for Gobs not Jobs.
How did they help facilitate the new jobs?
Kenny is saying let them eat cake the peasants.
@Joseph
Company is supported by Enterprise Ireland..Government run body. That’s how they helped facilitate the new jobs…
How exactly is it supported ? Who is looking after the Irish Water call center ? any ideas about that?
350 new jobs means a nice bit of extra tax revenue coming soon why else would the grinning idiots be there…
Would you ever cop on the only jobs they create is jobs for the boys
@Joseph
Enterprise Ireland have a number of funding mechanisms, potentially investing hundreds of thousands in the company and taking an equity stake in it. I’m not sure exactly what funding they are getting.
Honestly dude though, stick to the point. What has the Irish water call center got to do with this?
Any chance of a bit of balance Joseph? If you complain about the Govt not creating enough jobs, and then they are created through Govt-supported money then credit where it’s due.
Michael have you taken notice of what has been going on and reveled over the last 6 – 8 weeks. You want “balance”, I want these filthy corrupt parasites jailed.
@Joseph
But you have to admit you are being a bit biased on your argument here? I can understand your dislike of the current government but that shouldn’t come into this argument.
Chris in all honesty do you consider it “fair” what these people are doing to the general population in this country?
We are talking about one specific story hear. I don’t see any reason why need to bring up what “these people” are doing in general. My whole argument is that you look at this extremely positive piece of news for Cork and Ireland as a whole and try and see only the negatives. Regardless of you disagreeing with what the government are doing you have to at least recognise that this is a positive story and that like it or not a government body had a positive part to play in it.
To be honest Joe it worries me that there are people like you out there, probably trying to get into politics. I would happily endure another 10 years of austerity than have someone as narrowminded as you anywhere close to running the country
Yes Joseph, I follow all of that too. Today’s news though is fantastic for hundreds of families and there will be ancillary benefits to many others accruing from these job announcements. It’s annoying that every bloody positive news story has to be followed by endless negative comments on the present Govt. There are many other stories where you can give your opinion and it will be respected. But this news should only be commented on with optimism at the difference it will make to people. And a balanced agreement that yes, sometimes, this Govt. gets things right. It’s Friday, cheer up man.
Chris telling the truth is not always the most popular thing to do. I’d be far more worried about the people that are in politics now and what is being planned for our kids by these parasites.
The truth? Just out of interest, do you think the government should have more involvement in jobs creation or less? By the sounds of it you don’t think they do enough. What would you have them do differently? In general what would you do differently with regards to other issues?
We need a new constitution that reflects the needs of a modern secular democratic republic.
We need accountability and transparency in all public affairs.
Yippie, more jobs for Cork. You’ll all be moving down here soon!
Well done cork
Well done.Very good news.
Except for people living in countries that the outsourcing is taking jobs from of course. Remember the outcry when Aviva did the same thing? Nothing like good old fashioned hypocrisy
I was with Voxpro in the early years when they had a small office with a small team. Dan and Linda built that business from a small office with a handful if dedicated employees to what it is today. A true success in the current climate.
I take my hat off to them.
Good news on the economy/jobs and Adams arrested. Shinners must be ready to explode.
Very true tom. I often think that when I hear good news on the economy, shinners and populist socialists must be tearing their hair out because good news for Ireland is bad news for them.
Btw “explode” was an unintentional pun.
Sebastian – have you not heard? – all of these jobs are to scambridgers in Australia.
Hmm. If these jobs were not outsourced then better paid jobs would be created or maintained elsewhere. What is outsourcing really only taking higher paid jobs from somewhere else in the economy?
If they weren’t outsourced to an Irish company them they would be outsourced to Asia somewhere – so it’s still a good announcement.
L connors. That’s capitalism. Get over it.
Many companies will outsource particular aspects of their business for many reasons. Maybe they don’t have the skills, or the demand for a particular service would be infrequent and it wouldn’t be worth doing it in-house.
I’m not disputing that it’s not capitalism. Hardly a great jobs announcement though as outsourcing is just to replace other jobs. And these jobs would not be outsourced to Asia – as if that’s the case why is it not happening? It would be cheaper to do so and that option still exists.
Yes, but the option also exists to outsource to an Irish firm which is obviously well regarded and successful. The work could well be outsourced from overseas and would be new work coming into the country. It could also facilitate cost effective expansion for irish firms.
Stop being so negative.
L connors. Im not sure about the inner workings of this Company and how and what it outsources. However it is great news and for every one high end job created 4 or 5 other jobs are also created. They call it trickle down employment.
And minister Bruton and An Taoiseach can pop up in front of the cameras all they want and put on as many cheesy smiles as they want so long as big announcements like this keep happening.
L Connnors – the fact that Voxpro is creating 300 outsourcing jobs does not mean that 300 jobs are being lost elsewhere in Ireland.
The clients could be outside of Ireland
The services could be a result of increased demand that internal resources are unable to fulfill
I’ve tried saying this over and over in my head and it’s not intended as offensive…but how many of these jobs will go to the Irish? I know of a lot of similar companies in Ireland employing 75%+ foreign nationals
I’m sure that if an Irish person has the required language skills and qualifications they have as much chance as getting the job as the next person. Do you think there should be a quota?
They will go to who applies for them and so what if 75% go to them, irish people are probably above the jobs and won’t apply.
Not at all, a person should be qualified. As I said, I didn’t want it to be offensive. But when we see ’350 jobs created’ I just would like to know how many actually go to Irish nationals
I find that offensive tbh…I also don’t think its an issue and I’m surprised you think it is one
But why, the taxes go to irish people anyway. It’s not companies fault that Irish people are so thick and can’t speak other languages. Thousands of jobs would be filled if people got off there arses and learned a second language.
And by the way if you were in Australia or Europe would u liked to be viewed in the same man or you are summing up non irish nations.
I know u don’t mean it but…..
Same way you (what was meant)
I posted my response in the wrong place, it’s floating around somewhere here
Fair play boi’s .. Jobs for the boi’s
I’d say the taylors dummy on the right edged it. The suit on the left is a bit tight in the middle
At the rate they’re going we’ll have full employment by May 23rd. Amazing!
Wahoo, more call centre jobs for Cork
I realise how this might come across as offensive, was just a thought. Ted Crilly’s ‘not a racist’ video comes to mind. I’M SORRY INTERNET
Drop in the ocean to the 450 thousand unemployed.
Where’s Christopher with the negative spin on 350 new jobs? Ah, there you are, my little ray of sunshine.
If I said it was sunny outside, your next comment would be ‘They say it’ll rain tomorrow’.
Go out, get some air, see something beautiful, and then come back to us. There’s a good boy.
Job announcements like this sound great until you realize that the vast majority of the call center jobs are for native foreign language speakers only.
I don’t think job announcements should even make the headlines if 99% of Irish ”need not apply’.
These are ‘government’ created jobs.
Answering calls for irish water.
Electioneering at its finest.
350 new jobs and why am I reading lots and list of negative comments and bickering? This could have been 350,000 new jobs and some journal readers would still find something negative and have a moan.
have your say