Madam, - Is the Greens' decision to go into coalition with Fianna Fáil the end of idealism in Irish politics? It seems to be the old story of small parties saying one thing at conferences and before elections and then becoming sucked into the system and doing as the rest do.
The PDs were founded on sound political principles but soon joined the arch-enemy Fianna Fáil in coalition. Dessie O'Malley, whom I greatly admired, simply told us that things change and it was for the good of the country. Look at the PDs now after their years of government with Fianna Fáil. The party is down and out.
In 1992 the Labour Party canvassed on an all-out anti-Fianna Fáil ticket. Dick Spring's speech in November 1991 was the launching pad for our campaign to get Fianna Fáil out at all costs. The people voted for change; but again, "for the good of the country", Labour joined Fianna Fáil in government. As a Labour activist, I know that Labour is still being punished for its elasticating of the truth.
Many of us, like many Green campaigners during this election campaign, worked our socks off in 1992 to get rid of sleaze, interest in power rather than people and manipulation of the system. What did we get? The same old doubtful mix and, as I see it, power obtained under false pretences. Yes, we canvassed on a lie.
The Green participation in coalition will again lead to compromise, the watering-down of idealism and "people politics" and, in effect, Fianna Fáil running the show in the same old dubious, power-centred way.
Many of us are in politics to change the system and get rid of politics and politicians who do not take care of the Irish people. Where do we go now? - Yours, etc,
DAVID FITZGERALD, Lr Glenageary Road, Co Dublin.
Madam, - When Trevor Sargent indicated that he would not lead the Green Party into coalition with Fianna Fáil, presumably he meant that he wanted nothing to do with them.
In view of his recent elevation to the position of Minister of State, and his delight in this appointment as shown in the photograph of him and Bertie on your front page last Thursday, his resignation as leader of the Greens seems to have been a hollow, if not cynical, gesture. - Yours, etc,
GORDON MILNE, O'Brien's Bridge, Co Clare.