Bacik Calls for New Constitutional Committee for 90th Anniversary

• Secular Re-Write of 1937 Text in advance of Unity Referendum.

Speaking today at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Donegal, at an event focused upon the Constitution, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party, will call for a radical re-write of the Constitutional text, saying:

“As we approach its 90^th birthday, we can see that the Constitution has atrophied. It is no longer fit for purpose. It does not even define the state as a Republic. Nor do its provisions reflect the diverse, pluralist society in which we live today.

“Instead, a theocratic ethos is evident in the text, particularly in the Preamble and in provisions requiring that a religious Oath be taken by a newly-elected President, and by newly appointed members of the judiciary and of the Council of State.

“The same ethos is also evident in the Fundamental Rights Articles 40-44, which reflect religious doctrinal teaching, and recognise only a selective set of liberal rights. Amongst other economic rights that should be recognised, our Constitution should provide for a right to housing and to public ownership of utilities.

“Before the Constitution turns 90 in 2027, and in the context of a forthcoming Unity Referendum process, we need to develop new constitutional text that truly reflects Twenty-First Century Ireland.  We need to ensure that our modern Constitution is framed in secularised language that is appropriate for our Republic.

“We should begin preparations for this now, by establishing a new Joint Committee on Constitutional Change to develop a new and updated text.”