MEMBERS of the public are being invited to give their views on proposed radical reforms to the electoral system.

The Electoral Reform Bill 2011 - a private member's bill introduced by David Callister MLC - has two main proposals.

The first is that the Island should be divided into eight constituencies and the second is that each constituency should have three MHKs and one MLC elected by the public.

At present the Island has 15 constituencies. All MHKs are elected by the public, while MLCs are elected by MHKs.

The House of Keys and the Legislative Council have established a joint committee to consider the constitutional
principles raised by the bill which passed its first reading in the Legislative Council in June.

The committee - consisting of Brenda Cannell MHK, Phil Gawne MHK, Leonard Singer MHK, Phil Braidwood MLC, David Callister MLC and Alex Downie MLC - has the power to take evidence and summon witnesses.

Any member of the public who wants to pass on their comments, concerns or views should submit them to the clerk of the committee by February 1 2012. The committee will assume any submissions may be published unless otherwise stated.

To see the text of the bill click here