Sir, – So, Democratic Left has finally done in the Labour Party. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD COOK,
Rosemount Road,
Phibsboro,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – For the majority of Irish people the unthinkable has happened, Sinn Féin and a diverse group of Independents controlling the agendas in many local authorities.
Perhaps the time has come for another unthinkable or indeed unmentionable development to take place, a coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. – Yours, etc,
TIM BRACKEN.
Blarney Street,
Cork.
Sir, – I have read and heard thousands of words analysing the Labour Party’s slump, but not one correspondent has touched on my reason for not supporting it.
I find its consistent anti-Catholic bias to be objectionable, and the tomfoolery with the Holy See Embassy was a national and international embarrassment. I am privileged to know many non-religious people who are a credit to our society, but I find anti-religious bias too negative to support. – Yours, etc,
OLIVER DUFFY,
Melbourn Estate,
Bishopstown,
Cork.
Sir, – If the elections results are an indication of the make-up of the next government and are anything to go by, then I look forward, on the basis of the election literature that came through my letter-box and the commitments contained therein, to paying no tax, local or national, and enjoying the best welfare, health, and education services in the history of this State! – Yours, etc,
JOHN KANE
Old Cratloe Road,
Limerick.
Sir, – I assume that your political journalists believe that democracy is a good form of government. I am therefore puzzled that, in describing some parties or policies, they use the words “populist” and “populism” with a morally negative connotation.
The dictionary meaning of the first word is “seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people”; of the second, “political action which seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people”.
Surely representing the interests of ordinary (as well as extraordinary citizens) is what democracy is about? – Yours, etc,
Dr DESMOND FENNELL
Sydney Parade Avenue,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – Regarding Pat Rabbitte’s recent remark that even John the Baptist couldn’t have saved the Labour Party, for whom has Eamon Gilmore been preparing the way? The party needs a messiah before the next general election or the word “shellacking” won’t be strong enough to describe the result. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK O’DONOGHUE,
Kingsbry,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Following one of the most serious and prolonged financial crises and recessions faced by any advanced economy, and at the end of an extremely painful and unpopular austerity programme, the Irish electorate punished the Government, voting for left-wing parties and activists.
There were no anti-immigration parties and no anti-immigration vote block.
Well done Ireland. – Yours, etc,
GERRY MOLLOY
Bellevue Road,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I did not vote for Sinn Féin in either the local or European elections. However, I now welcome the fact that it has become more mainstream. I believe Sinn Féin’s economic policies will be put under the microscope and that it will be found out, hopefully in time for the electorate to see sense before the next general election, when votes truly do count. – Yours, etc,
DIANA WHITE,
Sion Road,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – The strange metamorphosis of Eamon Gilmore. From terrier to lapdog, from opposition roar to government whimper. – Yours, etc,
JOHANNA
LOWRY O’REILLY,
Moyne Road,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – I am disappointed that any party leader would find it appropriate to use their taxpayer-funded departmental building (Iveagh House) as a substitute for their party headquarters or a hotel conference room when conducting party business. – Yours, etc,
SIMON COLLINS,
Oxford Road,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – It seems that former Labour voters have decided that – to borrow a phrase from Ruairí Quinn – “we’re not in that space any more”.
If I were asked for advice, I would suggest that certain senior Labour Ministers try from time to time to sound less lofty. I am still smarting from being described as a “caveman” (sic) by the Minister for Communications simply because I don’t have a television and don’t want one.
A small thing to be irritated by, I know. But why annoy voters when it’s not necessary?– Yours, etc,
MAEVE KENNEDY,
Rathgar Avenue,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – Regarding Lynn Boylan, a smile is worth 100,000 votes, – Yours, etc,
DONAGH CRONIN,
Oliver Plunkett Hill,
Fermoy,
Co Cork.
A chara, – Contrary to its election message, I don’t think Labour is working. – Is mise,
MICHAEL NASH
Carrickmines Green,
Carrickmines,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – The people have spoken. What have they said? “This is not a recession, it’s a robbery.” – Yours, etc,
EMER O’DOWD,
Roscommon Road,
Athlone,
Co Roscommon.