Sir, – Some people are disappointed at the low turnout in the byelection (Letters, July 13th). I'm unsure why this disappointment is directed at the voters and not at the candidates standing for election (and their respective parties).
Most candidates held practically the same position on the biggest issue facing the country.
This position is simple: “We follow the public health advice”. Decision-making has been delegated to civil servants whose sole focus is Covid, and all the parties in the Dáil have confirmed time and again that they’re okay with this.
When the “Opposition” does challenge the Government, it’s generally for communication or messaging. Opposition parties don’t seem to have an issue with closing businesses, curtailing civil liberties, neglecting non-Covid health matters, or shutting schools – they’re just unhappy Leo Varadkar or Micheál Martin tell the media of the Government’s decisions before the Dáil is told.
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People don’t vote for many reasons, but if citizens were served with better governance, a robust Opposition, and real choice at elections, perhaps they’d be more likely to exercise their right to vote. – Yours, etc,
ADAM KEHOE,
Sallins,
Co Kildare.