Sir, - As France frighteningly illustrated some weeks ago, the greatest enemy of democracy is apathy. Yet we all know that democracy itself is not a perfect system. It is not a matter of choice, but rather alternatives. Let us look at our alternatives.
We have two monolithic parties, anachronisms carved from the Civil War. Both are conservative and practically indistinguishable in policy. Both are tainted with sleaze and corruption, especially Fianna Fáil, which seems to have taken out the franchise on it. Fine Gael has offered us a succession of uncharismatic leaders and an ineffectual opposition, much like the Tories in Britain.
The former junior coalition partner, however, is most worthy of our contempt. Promising to rein in Fianna Fáil, and disband government at the first hint of sleaze from its major partner, it stuttered, procrastinated and failed miserably to live up to its promises, allowing Fianna Fáil to steam along regardless. Why did the Progressive Democrats do this? Because they were in power, and liked the taste of it.
The Labour Party, supposedly socialist, has a distinct whiff of saumon fúmé.
Sinn Féin is a party of reformed terrorists who now espouse democracy in a State they once tried to destabilise by the bullet. Like Le Pen in France, they have annexed our national symbol, and while some members pursue a programme of vigilantism against drug-pushers in our cities, the main network maintains links with terrorist factions abroad whose bread and butter is the drug dollar.
The so-called Independents, with few honourable exceptions, are called for only during our serial abortion debate. The Green Party, well meaning and honest, needs more seats to have any real clout.
Those, on the whole, are our alternatives. It is imperative that all who are enfranchised should vote. Me? I'm casting my vote for the only decency I see in this sea of slime. I'm voting for the Greens. - Yours, etc.,
Brian Quigley,
New Court,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
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Sir, - Listening to a recent RTÉ interview with Dorothea Dowling about the report on the insurance industry, I was left to reflect on what a poorer place the Dáil is for the absence of high-calibre women members.
This was perhaps highlighted by the Dáil debate in the aftermath of the recent tragic deaths of two gardaí. The term "debate" is a misnomer for what at times sounded like an incoherent rabble in full cry. Admonitions from the chair were ignored in the cacophony of disorder until one yearned for a Betty Boothroyd to appear and bring this herd to heel.It is clear that many of our TDs have little or no regard for the Dáil and that decorum is not in their vocabulary.
One encouraging sign is that an outstanding woman candidate, Marian Harkin, seems likely to head the poll in the Sligo area. She resisted strong overtures from the two leading parties, which had identified her as a "winner".
Is it a cliché or a political truism that we get the politicians we deserve? As we contemplate the escalating societal and social problems in our midst, the exercise of the franchise by all citizens should be a priority. - Yours, etc.
J.P. McCann,
Mapas Avenue,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
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A chara, - I am 18 years old and intend to vote in the election. However, I was recently surprised to discover that my vote is not important to Fianna Fáil.
A gentleman canvassing for Seamús Brennan TD called to my door and immediately asked to speak to my parents.
When I asked him why he was not looking for my vote he asked me how old I was and, when I answered, he replied that, no, he did not need my vote.
I was taken aback, as I was under the impression that one vote was as good as another. I am glad I was enlightened, lest I should have given my vote to a party that considers me a second-class citizen. - Is mise,
Aimee Deaton,
Slievemoyne,
Dundrum Road,
Dublin 14.
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Sir, - Tonight, two members of the Fianna Fáil party came to my door and, on seeing I was a teenager, automatically dismissed me by shoving fliers in my hand and saying "Tell your Dad to vote Fianna Fáil."
I am 17 years old and next year shall be eligible to vote. I have questions, I know my issues and I would have liked to ask these people why the electorate should vote for their party. Unfortunately, they were gone to the next house before I had a chance.
Is it any wonder that there is such a low turnout of young voters, when young people are not treated with the respect that they deserve? - Yours, etc.,
AveenN Croash,
The Court,
Mulhuddart Wood,
Dublin 15.