Parliamentary Search

Proceeding contribution from Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party) in the House of Commons on Monday, 1 November 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.

Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

I do not believe that it is good for democracy. Thankfully, Northern Ireland now has a more settled process, but we face continuous and unsettling boundary reviews, some of which will come into play in time for the next parliamentary election but not in time for the next Assembly election. An Assembly election could therefore take place within boundaries that are about to disappear, and the next parliamentary election could be held within different ones. People will be completely confused. Equally, the number of our constituencies could go up and down, because the Sainte-Laguë method means that we are always in danger of just losing or just gaining a seat at each review.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
517 c676 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Boundary commissions Constituency size Alternative vote Cornwall Elections Electorate Distribution of seats Electoral register General elections Isles of Scilly Isle of Wight Local government Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly Members Public consultation National Assembly for Wales Publicity Referendums Public inquiries Scotland Voting methods Reform Wales Scottish Parliament Unitary councils Ynys Môn Na h-Eileanan an Iar Orkney and Shetland
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk