Rural TDs slam appointment of 'partisan campaigners' to Electoral Commission Advisory Board ahead of referendums

Deputy Mattie McGrath, the leader of the Rural Independent Group, has expressed serious concerns about the appointment of ‘Yes’ campaigners to the Electoral Commission’s research advisory board during the current referendum campaign which he claims has 'ignited controversy and sparked calls for immediate action'.

“As elected representatives, we must uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions,” Deputy McGrath said. “The newly established Electoral Commission’s move to appoint ‘Yes’ campaigners to their research advisory board during the current referendum campaign undermines the Commission’s claimed impartiality and the very foundation of our hard-won democracy.

“The inclusion of active campaigners on the Electoral Commission’s advisory board is not just disappointing; it’s a blatant disregard for fairness and transparency,” McGrath emphasized. “These appointments send a chilling message to the public, suggesting that those in power are more concerned with political agendas than the sanctity of our electoral process.”

Among the 13 members appointed, three are from taxpayer-funded NGOs. Some of these individuals are actively campaigning for a YES vote and are employed by NGOs advocating for a YES vote, he said.

"Notably, Orla O’Connor from the National Women’s Council of Ireland is a leading figure in the 'Yes' campaign for the referendums scheduled to be held on Friday. Not only is this deeply troubling, but it also calls into question the impartiality of the Electoral Commission, which is tasked with refereeing impartially,” Deputy McGrath said.

“This alarming development comes just days before the highly anticipated Care and Family referendums, further intensifying concerns over the integrity and neutrality of the electoral process,” McGrath warned.

“We demand accountability and transparency in the appointment process to ensure that our democratic values are upheld,” McGrath declared. “The future of our democracy depends on it.”

“The appointment of active campaigners to the Electoral Commission’s research advisory board is not only disgraceful but also a direct challenge to the democratic principles we hold dear,” McGrath emphasized.

“We demand a thorough investigation into why individuals openly campaigning for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum have been appointed to the Electoral Commission. This action not only undermines the impartiality of the Commission but also reflects a disregard for the integrity of our electoral process,” McGrath continued.

“For the Electoral Commission to fulfill its role effectively, it must be free from partisan influence and demonstrate unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy,” McGrath asserted.