Press Release: Dún Laoghaire 8 January 2007

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Council being heavy-handed on electoral register revisions – Cuffe

Hundreds of residents in the Dun Laoghaire area who have been on the Register for decades have received letters from the Council informing them of a court hearing that is due to take place tomorrow (Tuesday 9 January) in Dublin's Circuit Court, advising them that they may attend the proceedings.

Green Party Environment spokesperson and local TD Ciarán Cuffe said: "The Council is using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut on this one. People who have been on the Register for decades are being advised that they may have to give evidence under oath in order to maintain their right to vote. Although I have been informed by the Council that electors do not have to appear in court, the wording of the letters has left many people believing that they must attend.

"In addition they are being advised that they may give evidence at a Court that is miles away from their homes.

"Many people have contacted me to express their concern at the tactics being used. Of course we need to tighten up the compiling of the Electoral Register procedure, but in this instance Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council could have used language that didn't leave them confused and distressed.

"I have written this evening to the County Manager Owen Keegan requesting that he issue a public statement clarifying that electors do not have to appear in Court to remain on the Electoral Register."