Earlier I referred to the consequences that might arise in Sligo-Leitrim, in parts of Donegal and in North and South Mayo. The present population of Donegal NorthEast and South-West is 108,549 and to maintain the position in regard to three-seat constituencies, they obviously would have to get an injection of population from some place or other. Indeed, for the Donegal people, this would be alien because they have always represented themselves. If the position is to be maintained, it is obvious that at least 10,000 or 11,000 of population will require to be transferred to South-West Donegal.
In Sligo-Leitrim, we are concerned about this position and I do not think that it is only Deputy Gilbride and myself who have to be concerned about it because Deputy McLaughlin and Deputy Gilhawley should equally be concerned. Certainly the people in Leitrim are concerned about it. I am just wondering, knowing the energy which Donegal people can put into an election in a three-seat constituency, what would they do in, say North Leitrim, assuming that portion of Leitrim could well be added to the Donegal South-West constituency. Certainly in many ways I am pleased that I am a bit more south than that. Again, it might well be that a bit would be added from Sligo which would take in, with Donegal, portion of the town of Sligo. Then we go more south to Mayo South and Mayo North. At present the population in Mayo North is 50,315 and in Mayo South, 67,798. Again there is a picture to be looked at there. How are these constituencies to be maintained? It is an appalling picture. No less than we in Fianna Fáil the Fine Gael representatives in the west of Ireland would do well to look at this matter and say clearly to the people whether they think this is the proper thing to do, whether they think this constitutional provision of 20,000 of population or as near as possible——
