Sir, – Gerard Howlin’s claim that “there is no market for political realism now” is certainly reflected in how politics is increasingly covered (“Government has run out of road on spending to keep up with demand”, Opinion & Analysis, August 30th).
Unfortunately, in the ratings and sales-motivated media, “realism” or, as I would prefer to refer to it, the “centre” often seems not to feature. Views from the extremes or the margins are often presented as if the holders of those views are more committed, more honourable, or more passionate in the pursuit of their cause than those who are more balanced in their approach.
Yet the reality is that it is usually the politics of positivity – whether that be the centre left or, even occasionally the centre right – that offers solutions to the problems facing our society. Those of us committed to consensus or, dare I say it, “centre politics” are as passionate and committed to that political approach as the extremes are to theirs.
The difference being that balanced advocates try to find solutions. The extremes just try to find scapegoats.
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But when the extremes are being propped up by a fawning media, the centre must work even harder to simply exist. In that reality, perhaps the centre won’t hold. That is the danger and something the media should reflect on. – Yours, etc,
Cllr DERMOT LACEY,
(Labour),
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.