A chara, – Your article “‘Would you employ a teacher to run the Central Bank?’: Readers deeply divided on Michael O’Leary’s remarks” (News, November 11th) draws a flawed comparison between running a business – or even the Central Bank – and leading a democratic government. Unlike businesses, which hire based on specific skills and experience for defined roles, democratic office requires no such qualification. This inclusivity is foundational to our democracy, allowing anyone – from teachers to business people to those unemployed – to seek election.
Of course, we wouldn’t appoint a teacher to lead the Central Bank without the relevant expertise. But by the same token, we wouldn’t hire a banker to head a school. It’s worth noting that some of the most effective public servants have come from diverse backgrounds, not just finance or management.
Government is not a business, and treating it as such risks reducing it to metrics and profit, ignoring its essential role: to represent and serve the people. True democratic representation is strengthened – not weakened – by the diversity of perspectives that candidates bring. – Yours, etc,
DANIEL HOWARD,
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Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.
Sir, – I wonder if it has occurred to Michael O’Leary to put his own name forward for public office. Surely the issue here is about people with skills and life experiences in the private sector who could, but do not, put their names forward to, in his terms, “give something back”. – Yours, etc,
DAVID McCARTER,
Hillsborough,
Co Down.
Sir, – The vast majority of our teachers are great at the jobs that they have trained for, and are respected for same. Some too have made excellent contributions as ministers in our governments. The light-hearted remarks by Michael O’Leary should not be given undue attention. One has to hope that our teachers and their leaders are sufficiently mature to absorb such frivolous comments, rather than taking a hyper-sensitive stance.
Media outlets have a very serious role to play in ensuring that the reporting in this campaign is on real issues and policies, in a manner that helps inform the public, and enables them prepare to vote. – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE O’MALLEY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I don’t understand the fuss about Michael O’Leary’s comments at the weekend. They were designed to provoke, and the unions, teachers and media completely fell for it and over-reacted. He is getting lots of publicity as a result. This is what he thrives on.
There are more teachers in the Dáil because it is easier for public servants to run for office because of their job security and the availability of career breaks. This isn’t an option for many in the private sector or those who are self-employed, hence more public servants in the Dáil. Nothing new here.
I wish the unions and teachers had simply ignored Mr O’Leary’s comments and redirected their outrage to the Government and the fact schools are closing for a third time this year to facilitate voting. They should be using their voice, power and influence for positive change and demanding an end to this outdated practice. Then they could turn around to Mr O’Leary and show him that they got this done. – Yours, etc,
SIOBHAN McDERMOTT,
Killester,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – Michael O’Leary is utterly incorrect about teachers’ unsuitability to be in government. Any person who can control an unruly group of hyperactive children, or command the attention of bored, surly teenagers, is perfectly suited to a position in Dáil Éireann. – Yours, etc,
EMER HUGHES,
Galway.
Sir, – At the core of Michael O’Leary’s comments is a very valid point: the Dáil should consist of people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse but suitable skillsets and a focus on getting things done. No single profession has a monopoly on those traits.
Once the storm in a teacup has abated, the essential truth in Mr O’Leary’s argument will remain. – Yours, etc,
LAURENCE KNELL,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.