We Need a Constitution –

We Should Learn From Ireland

Revised

This post is meant for those who agree that we need a proper entrenched constitution, not just a muddle in which the government can avoid addressing the challenges we face, and shut down dissent in order to retain the trappings of power.

Creating a constitution from scratch is a huge task, but it seems to be required in our case. We can learn from the Irish experience. When the Irish Free State was formed in 1922, it was still tied somewhat to Britain. It formed its own constitution which drew heavily from the Westminster system. By 1934 Éamon de Valera decided it was time to review the constitution. He had two objects in mind, to finally cut the ties with Britain, and crucially providing that any future amendment would be done in a controlled manor. Any change can only be agreed by a national referendum. This constitution came into effect in 1937 following a plebiscite. It has lasted 86 years without coming into difficulties. There have been 32 amendments reflecting great changes in the economy and society, many of which de Valera did not foresee.

The wording of the constitution is particularly clear and the office of the parliament( Oireachtas) issues loads of citizen information.

I am setting out my revised ideas in a bit more detail in a document (59Kb) which I can email you on request. when ready. Please email me on davidsmith658howard@gmail.com.