Madam, - We are a group of psychotherapists working from a busy practice. We hear daily about the psychological and emotional struggles in people's everyday lives. With an important general election looming, we think it is an opportunity for everyone to think about and discuss the kind of society that we wish to develop in the coming years. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ways we have developed since our last election.
Each political party is putting together its individual "lucky bag" and telling us how fortunate we will be to get more individual benefits if we vote for it. While our basic needs are, of course, important it is equally important that we stay connected to each other as a community. It is vital that we advocate for each other as well as for ourselves. To do this we need help and encouragement from a dynamic leadership that operates differently from a "pleasing" or "displeasing" parent.
We need political leadership to be both facilitative and challenging, unafraid to ask us questions about the kind of communities we wish to build. We need assistance to have our prejudices challenged, our greed identified and our resistances named. We need to move from the individualistic private relationship we have with our politicians to one where the collective is once again encouraged and fostered as a vital aspect of life today.
Urgent issues such as healthcare, the environment, the closing of rural post offices, the breakdown of community, integrating the variety of new cultures that have begun to develop in the country - all have consequences far beyond the economic. Political leadership requires more than having a handle on potential economic events. Political leadership requires us to think about the nature of the society that we want to create. - Yours, etc,
BRID MAGUIRE, HELEN JONES, GER MURPHY, COLM O'DOHERTY, Institute of Creative Counselling and Psychotherapy, George's Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Madam, - We live in times of great uncertainty and turmoil internationally, and we must soberly face the reality that the outcome of the election on May 24th could be most critical for the future welfare of this country.
We cannot afford to be complacent because there are serious and critical times immediately ahead. We must not risk taking a chance by putting government into the hands of an inexperienced coalition formed of parties which do not even share the same basic principles.
Change, just for the sake of change, is dangerous and irresponsible, safety lies in experience.
Some undeniable achievements of the present Government include: significant economic growth; steady commitment to secure peace in Northern Ireland; beneficial management of public funds; full employment.
To ensure on-going prosperity basic Christian principles and the fear of God must be upheld. Our Constitution must be respected and not further corroded.
In Ireland there is an underlying respect for true family values in spite of the determination of a few to get public support for immoral practices. The Government must stand firm against evil and support moral integrity. - Yours, etc,
DAN WATSON, Aulden Grange, Santry, Dublin 17.
Madam, - It is hardly a coincidence that the main building and development sites around the north inner city of Dublin are adorned by huge election posters urging people to vote for Fianna Fáil - a rather ironic plea, given that most of the locals will not be able to afford the "luxury" apartments on display. Maybe Fianna Fáil should be more honest and change the wording on these monster posters. I suggest changing the sobriquet "republican party" to "builders' party by proxy". - Yours, etc,
GORDON KENNEDY, Botanic Road, Dublin 9.
Madam, - Is there a reason why this serious and possibly devastating issue appears not to be addressed or given due coverage? The use of insecticides is devastating Ireland's population of bees. Are farmers made aware of the damage they may be doing by using certain types of insecticides? Are these insecticides banned in Ireland and if not, why not? - Yours, etc,
EMILY D. TURLEY, Belmont Avenue, Dublin 4.
Madam, - No shirts, no horses, no country estate.
What is all the fuss about? - Yours, etc,
KEVIN HEALY, Hampstead Avenue, Dublin 9.