Sir, – That a presiding officer can accept an oath as a reliable proof of identity points to an outdated electoral law. In a modern western democracy there are documents a citizen can and should use to confirm their identity (a passport for example), and the Bible has no place in this process.
Swearing an oath is not a satisfactory means to identify yourself for the purpose of voting. This practice greatly enhances the possibility of electoral fraud. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOYCE RUBOTHAM,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Further to the wonderfully named Garry Owens (May 26th), who suggested further possible texts upon which to swear in polling booths, may I propose a book of limericks and a copy of the IRFU constitution? – Yours, etc,
MICHELE SAVAGE,
Dublin 12.