Madam, - Since the resignation of Pat Rabbitte several media commentators have begun to reflect upon the relevance of the Labour Party to "modern Ireland". But what exactly is this "modern Ireland" with which Labour is supposedly out of touch? I presume it is the place where people have larger disposable incomes, maybe two cars, new timber decking in the back garden and an annual holiday in the south of Spain, or maybe south-east Asia. As enjoyable as some of these luxuries may be, they certainly do not reflect a modern society, as I understand it.
I feel their modern Ireland is the result of a narrow understanding of economic growth as the key and sole measurement of progress. This understanding presents modernity as the pursuit of a high-consumption lifestyle and vast affluence as the ultimate ideal of the modern Irish person. Economic growth is not presented as a means to desirable ends, such as a highly efficient public infrastructure, but as an end in itself.
Not only is this economic vision grossly unsustainable but it is a mistaken depiction of human needs in a modern society.
I understand a modern society as one that employs an equitable tax system to fund a fair and efficient transport structure, the right to free education and healthcare, access to fair and meaningful work, a diverse and informed media, real participation in public decision-making and the ability to pursue meaningful relationships in an open, tolerant and just society.
If we measured society in these terms we would soon recognise how un-modern Irish society really is.
To be modern is to pursue the ideal of a democratic, fair and just society and the Labour Party can make itself really relevant by articulating and pursuing these principles. - Yours, etc,
AIDAN REGAN, Aberdeen Street, Dublin 7.
Madam, - Pat Rabbitte was the best Tánaiste we never had. If only he had not rejected Fianna Fáil so vociferously (and distanced Labour from transfers from over a third of the electorate), Labour would now be implementing policy. - Yours, etc,
GERRY MURPHY, Brooklawn, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Pat Rabbitte has fallen on his sword, but, is he happy? - Yours, etc,
DEIRDRE O'SULLIVAN, Vernon Street, Dublin 8.