Madam, – I read with interest Leo Armstrong’s missive (January 10th) and although I suspect I might not approve of his politics, I nevertheless salute his effort to found a new political party. I am, however, suspicious of his proposed benign dictatorship of “experts”: democracy is not a perfect system but show me another that is better?
Mr Armstrong noted that voters “don’t know what they want”. I appreciate this: the voters want excellent, Scandinavian-style public services and don’t mind that its employees are among the best paid in Europe. Of course they want someone else to foot the bill, however.
We have an infantile national mindset, characterised by an overweening sense of entitlement and a deep vein of begrudgery. This is probably the greatest obstacle to the formation of a new political party based upon honesty and real sustainable policies: the Irish people are at this stage completely divorced from reality. The most popular leader in the country is a former communist who promises no one has to suffer cuts and with a wave of his wand, he can summon up the requisite funds (well, severe tax hikes).
My advice to Mr Armstrong (and others) is to keep up his efforts and utilise the new media. Very soon the Irish people are going to be faced with some stark choices. They will have to grow up quickly and face up to reality. I suspect the forthcoming election will be one of many over a few short years.
Perhaps Mr Armstrong will have an opportunity to lead his party into an election after all? – Yours, etc,