Madam, - Economics Editor Marc Coleman is concerned that our system of proportional representation results in undue influence on government by "minority interests. . . locally or sectorally defined" (Opinion and Analysis, February 18th).
He cites as examples the demand that Sean Haughey be appointed a junior minister and "opposition to public sector reform by some unions". How far either is really the result of the PR system may be debated.
There appears to be a clearer case which Mr Coleman does not mention. He commends the German requirement for political parties to obtain 5 per cent of the national vote before they can be represented in the Bundestag. Had this threshold been applied in Ireland in 2002, the 96 per cent of the electorate which did not give its first preferences to the Progressive Democrats would have been spared the intervening years of "manipulation by tiny minorities". - Yours, etc,
Dr COLMÁN ETCHINGHAM, Ballinagilkey, Hacketstown, Co Carlow.