Sir, - The Irishman's Diary by Joe Humphreys deprecating Olivia Mitchell's stance on the issue of Travellers concludes by finding fault with all of us who participate in the democratic process. He rightly questions our motivation when voting for populist politicians.
There is plenty of evidence to support his criticisms. Ian Paisley, Charles Haughey and Oliver Flanagan were among the most popular politicians and the most successful vote-getters on this island in the past 30 years. What does that say about us?
Of course the Irish electorate are not alone in supporting populist politicians. Adolf Hitler was elected to power and received over 90 per cent support for proposals in referendums held during his term in power. Democracy is the best system of government available. It is, however, anything but perfect. As we continue to find out in the various tribunals, it is highly corruptible.
The practice of making political parties beholden to those who can afford the wherewithal to run the political system leaves the democratic process in the hands of those who have the deepest pockets. Despite this, no political party is proposing to transform the system - the changes that have actually been made are cosmetic and self-serving. The limit on donations is so easily circumvented. Banning corporate donations while allowing individual and trade union donations, as proposed by some parties, is hypocritical. Perhaps Joe Humphreys, having done such an excellent exposΘ on Olivia Mitchell, might do a similar one on this issue? - Yours, etc.,
A. Leavy, Shielmartin Drive, Sutton D 13.