Submission to Electoral Commission on boundary review

A Chara,

The Athlone Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceanntair strongly feel that the part of north Westmeath currently in the Meath West constituency for Dail Elections should be returned to the constituency of Longford Westmeath.

It was unfortunate that Westmeath was split prior to the 2007 General Election as it has caused confusion and annoyance to the electorate of this area. For instance, from a local government perspective and services they are linked to Westmeath County Council but in relation to representation in the Dail they are linked to County Meath. This anomaly needs to be rectified under this present boundary review.

It is also important to point out and take into consideration that the population of Westmeath has increased by approximately 7,000 people based on the recently published preliminary census data. These two factors coupled with the fact under constitutional rules there must be one TD for every 20,000 to 30,000 citizens, provides a case to make County Westmeath as a standalone 4 seater constituency or alternatively to make the constituency of Longford Westmeath a 5 seater.

We hope that you will take our submission into consideration and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

________________________

Ms. Lisa Quigley

Secretary

Athlone Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantar