Sir, – We continue to have no government one month and a week on from the election. As I write, there is no suggestion of a resolution. I see no combination of Independents and a mainstream party that could possibly form a stable government. I also see no real programme from either mainstream party that might suggest a coalition of any sort.
Surely, in the national interest, all should agree that the only recourse is another election. We can’t continue in limbo with the international issues that may confront us – Brexit, Trump, China, and the migrant issue. These, combined with our internal issues, such as homelessness, jobs and equality, suggest that it is imperative that our elected representatives stop grandstanding and recognise the stalemate and set aside personal aspirations in the national interest. – Yours, etc,
DEREK MacHUGH,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Leinster House probably gets a lick of paint with a change of government, but must the politicians stop everything to watch the paint dry? – Yours, etc,
COLIN ROGAN,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.
Sir, – “Nothing turns out to be so oppressive and unjust as a feeble government” (Edmund Burke). Would Messrs Kenny, Martin and our plethora of Independents (of the solo and umbrella variety) please note! – Yours, etc,
OLIVER McGRANE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – Roundtable discussions are going around in circles. A square table would get to the point. – Yours, etc,
EVE PARNELL,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Once again senior politicians are doing everything they can to be in power, and the running of the country has become a distant second. At this stage, I believe the only outcome has to be a fresh election as no matter who gets into power, that government will be short lived. A minority government will not survive, and a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael pact will disintegrate into a battle of wits as to who is the best party in town. – Yours, etc,
PAUL KEENAN,
Killiney, Co Dublin.
Sir, – Between radio, television, press and internet noise, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the commentariat (journalists, pundits, academics, etc) would have us believe they would be able to form a government in a couple of days, if given the chance.
Not only do I think they are grossly deluded, I suspect their constant intrusion into the formation of government is actually impeding the process.
Is there any chance we could have a media moratorium of, say, two weeks to allow elected politicians to play the cards that we, the electorate, have dealt them? – Yours, etc,
PETER MOLLOY,
Glenageary, Co Dublin.