A chara, – I note with surprise the Socialist Party’s disapproval of Clare Daly’s support of Mick Wallace, in particular their reluctance to accept him as a spokesman in their campaign against the household charge.
Surely a known tax evader is the ideal person to take a leading role in a national campaign of tax evasion? – Is mise,
Sir, – A case of people before principle? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I applaud Clare Daly’s view that the United Left Alliance has the potential to provide a more realistic alternative to the present establishment parties and the various groupings that at first glance appear to be leftist.
I disagree with those who claim that Clare Daly’s resignation from the Socialist Party will detract from her effectiveness as a public representative. If anything, it may enable this talented parliamentarian to pursue a range of crucial political objectives with greater freedom and efficiency, without the constraints of party political bureaucracy of the kind that have often made a nonsense of politics in the past and given it a bad name.
We need more politicians like Clare Daly who are prepared to take a principled stand, regardless of the short-term political consequences.
It would also enhance our democracy if the parties allowed free votes on issues of conscience, as happens in many other EU countries. A TD is elected to represent his or her constituency, not just to serve as voting fodder for a party.
Ms Daly can now speak for the people with greater authority, as another great socialist, the late Tony Gregory TD, did so eloquently.
Politics may be a blood sport, but at least Clare Daly will now have a clear run in pursuit of her objectives, regardless of how much malicious hounding she has to endure from her detractors. – Yours, etc,