Elections – choices and consequences

Sir, – Surely it is time for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to merge into one centre-right party?

Let’s face it, you couldn’t fit something as thin as a cigarette paper, let alone a ballot paper, between them and their policies. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK O’BYRNE,

Phibsborough,

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Dublin 7.

Sir, – If there is a lesson from the European and local elections for journalists and politicians alike, it is that these elections are not referendums on the Government.

Voters will have a variety of reasons why they vote or don’t vote for certain candidates, and whether candidates are in Government or Opposition is only a small consideration in their thinking.

The attempts by the Opposition, including Sinn Féin, to use these referendums as a verdict on the Government have failed.

However, that does not mean the general election will be the same. – Yours, etc,

JASON FITZHARRIS,

Swords,

Co Dublin.

A chara, – In the interest of fairness, it’s only right that the Government gives Sinn Féin a chance by not calling the general election until next year. – Is mise,

LOMAN Ó LOINGSIGH,

Dublin 24.

Sir, – Fears of a “far-right” surge in the local elections have proved unfounded.

There were not that many far-right candidates, despite constant media cries to the contrary.

The strategy of most of Ireland’s media and political establishment has been to label anyone who goes against their leftist agenda as far right. This is scaremongering. And it is effective.

Without a strong conservative grouping to counterbalance the bigger parties, it’s the far left that the electorate really needs to worry about. – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN CORRIGAN,

Bogotá,

Colombia.

Sir, – In the context of the ongoing forensic election analysis as to why the Government parties did remarkably well while the main Opposition party faded, it seems to me that sight has been lost of how competently the current Coalition dealt with the unprecedented and punishing twin challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit.

It may not all be about current demands and future needs, and the electorate seems to have cast an eye in the rear-view mirror when going to the polls. – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL GANNON,

Kilkenny City.

Sir, – The centre can hold, the best have conviction while the worst’s passionate intensity fails to break through. – Yours, etc,

JONATHAN COOKE,

Dublin 6.

Sir, – In the unwieldy Ireland Midlands, North and West constituency, the 1.3 million electorate return five MEPs. In the single constituency that covers the member state of Malta, the electorate of 370,000 are returning six MEPs.

When did Ireland lose out on proportional representation? – Is mise,

KENNETH HARPER,

Burtonport,

Co Donegal.

Sir, – In light of the recent elections and the commentary surrounding Sinn Féin’s performance, it is essential to address the narrative of a “collapse” in its vote.

Sinn Féin has actually increased its number of council seats compared to the 2019 elections. This incremental gain, albeit modest, signals progress rather than collapse.

Furthermore, we must consider the broader political landscape. The rumblings within Sinn Féin calling for leadership changes are premature and potentially detrimental. Changing leadership now would only serve to benefit the current Government parties, who would likely welcome the disruption of their primary Opposition.

It is also worth noting that any recent governmental improvements have largely resulted from the pressure exerted by Sinn Féin’s vigorous opposition. The comparison to the 2019 results, followed by the significant surge in the 2020 general election, suggests that a similar rebound is possible.

One critical factor in this election was the emergence of Independents and smaller parties leveraging immigration issues. Sinn Féin must now focus on clearly articulating their policies on immigration and other key issues, ensuring their campaign machinery is fully mobilised for the next general election.

While Sinn Féin’s recent performance may be disappointing relative to expectations, it is far from catastrophic. With strategic adjustments and effective communication, Sinn Féin can strengthen its position and demonstrate resilience in the upcoming general election. – Yours, etc,

KILLIAN BRENNAN,

Dublin 17.

Sir, – While citizens in the rest of the EU member states already know the final results of the recent elections, we are still counting, and perhaps recounting votes in all three constituencies. Is it time for a change from the pencil and paper? Perhaps it is, but I’d miss the suspense of the protracted drama. – Yours, etc,

CLARE BALFE,

Phibsborough,

Dublin 7.

Sir, – When viewing the election coverage on TV, it is striking see the mounds of ballot papers that are in every election count centre. The main ballot papers, being over two foot in length, have created paper mountains. What will be done with all this paper? Could it be repurposed as quirky wallpaper or even be reprinted as takeaway menus? The possibilities are endless. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN CULLEN,

Rathfarnham,

Dublin 16.