Opposition call for resignation over e-voting
The Government came under fire today over its hefty investment in an electronic voting system which will now not be used in the next elections.
Opposition parties called for the resignation of Environment Minister Martin Cullen who commissioned the system.
A research commission into the accuracy of the €52m system said it could not be used for the June elections.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: “The investment to the system is not in any way compromised.”
“The commission’s report states that fairly in the time available all tests and pilot runs cannot be completed,” he added. “June 11 is just six weeks away.
“Delaying this some six weeks will not affect something that has a lifespan of 20 years.”
Push-button voting was set to be rolled out when Ireland votes on June 11 in the local authority elections and a referendum on the written Constitution.
The commission was appointed to investigate the electronic voting system after doubts were raised over the system’s accuracy.
The report said it could not recommend the use of the proposed system in the June elections.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said: “Obviously the Government has to be held to account.
“They have just simply ignored and all opposition whether it came from opposition parties or academic and IT experts.
“They were proven to be wrong – it’s a gross waste of money at a time when the Minister for Health is looking for an identical amount from the department of finance in order to provide badly needed beds.
“In any other country the minister would not still be in business and it’s a reflection of the way Fianna Fáil does business and how remote from the people they have become.”
The report stressed the decision had not been based on a finding that the system would not work but that it had not been proven at this time.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny blasted Minister Cullen and said he would not listen to advice by independent technical experts.
He said the money could have been put to better use including computers for schools or taking people off the hospital waiting lists.
Mr Ahern stressed the system has been around five years already and has been tested internationally.
“They were only looking for more time,” Mr Ahern said. “If there is a flaw found then the commission will be able to say something that will internationally be followed.”
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